Pecan Tarts

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### **Instructions:**

#### **1. Prepare the crust:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
– In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the softened butter, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is too crumbly, add a teaspoon of cold water to help bind it.
– Once the dough is ready, divide it evenly among the muffin cups. Press the dough into the bottoms and up the sides of each cup to form a tart shell. Use a spoon or your fingers to press it gently into place.
– Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Remove them from the oven and set aside to cool.

#### **2. Make the filling:**
– While the crusts are cooling, prepare the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
– Stir in the pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed in the syrupy mixture.

#### **3. Fill the tart shells:**
– Once the crusts have cooled slightly, spoon the pecan filling into each tart shell, filling them almost to the top. Be sure to evenly distribute the pecans across the tarts for that signature nutty texture and flavor in each bite.

#### **4. Bake the tarts:**
– Bake the filled tarts for 15–18 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly. The tops should be golden and the filling will have a firm, custardy texture. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake.
– Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### **5. Serve and enjoy:**
– Once cooled, these pecan tarts are ready to serve! You can garnish them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance. They’re delicious on their own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee.

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### **Why You’ll Love Pecan Tarts:**

– **Perfect bite-sized treats**: These mini pecan tarts offer all the deliciousness of a full-sized pecan pie but in a more manageable, portable form. They’re easy to serve at parties or gatherings.
– **Rich and satisfying**: With their buttery crust, gooey filling, and crunchy pecans, these tarts offer the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and savory flavors in every bite.
– **Customizable**: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, like walnuts or hazelnuts, if you prefer. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of bourbon to the filling for a unique twist.
– **Great for any occasion**: From holidays to family dinners, these tarts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re just the right size for serving a crowd, and their flavor is rich enough to make them a standout dessert.

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**Pecan Tarts** are a delightful dessert that brings together the timeless flavors of pecan pie in a fun and bite-sized form. Whether you’re serving them at a party, holiday dinner, or just as a treat for yourself, they’re guaranteed to become a new favorite. With their sweet, nutty filling and buttery crust, these tarts are the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence, making them a must-try for any dessert lover!