For someone who doesn't care for desserts too much, there are certain recipes that catch my eye and my attention and just have a hold on me for some reason. This is one of them.I love making mini tarts and 'tassies'. From pecan tassies to chocolate filled mini tarts to tiny cheesecake bites and quiche; they are so cute, pretty, simple and fun! When I found this recipe I was not actually looking for it. I don't remember what I was trying to find, but I spied this one and added it to my collection. I hope you do too!
Tiny Caramel Tart Bites
2 c sugar, divided
1/2 c cold butter, sliced
6 T flour
4 egg yolks
2 c milk
Pastry Shells
1 c butter, softened
1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
3 1/2 c flour
Whipped Cream to decorate
Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add flour to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended. Shape dough into 72 (3/4-inch) balls, and place on a baking sheet; cover and chill 1 hour.
Place dough balls in cups of lightly greased miniature muffin pans; press dough to top of cups, forming shells. Bake at 400° for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely (about 15 minutes).
Cook 1 cup sugar in a medium-size heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, 6 to 8 minutes or until sugar melts and turns golden brown. Stir in butter until melted.
Whisk together flour, egg yolks, milk, and remaining 1 cup sugar in a 3-qt. heavy saucepan; bring just to a simmer over low heat, whisking constantly. Add sugar mixture to flour mixture, and cook, whisking constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened. Cover and chill 4 hours. When chilled, spoon caramel mixture into pastry shells, and top with whipped cream.
