Just Call Me Paula Dean! (Part 1)

Fans of the Food Network will recognize that name. It's synonymous with the word "butter". Paula is not afraid to use this au natural ingredient and neither am I. You just don't eat a whole plateful of these folks! My philosophy: small portions of really good food is better than alot of something with unpronounceable ingredients.

So here is Part 1 of my favorite holiday cookie recipes.


Pecan Tassies

(This is a Stauffer family recipe that my dad's mother used to make when he was a boy.)



Pastry:
2 c. flour
6 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

(This should yield about 4 dozen cups)

Filling:
2 eggs
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. chopped pecans (coconut or raisin)

(This makes enough for 2 dozen cups so double amount or make 2 different kinds)

Directions:
1. Refrigerate dough for 1/2 hour.
2. Roll out dough (no thicker than 1/8") on a lightly floured surface and use a floured drinking glass edge to cut out circles.
3. Form dough cups and lightly place into miniature cupcake pan.
4. Put a small spoonful of filling into each cup--don't fill too full.
5. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes, then lower temperature to 200 ad bake 10-12 minutes more.
6. Let stand to cool for a few minutes before removing tassies from pan.