Light Pecan Tassies in Cream Cheese Pastry
Indulge in the delightful world of desserts with our Light Pecan Tassies in Cream Cheese Pastry. This recipe, inspired by Cooking Light from the November 2000 issue, offers a fabulous treat that balances flavor and health. With only 81.5 calories per tassie, they are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. These little tarts are not just delicious; they are also quick to prepare, making them ideal for gatherings or casual indulgence. Let’s dive into the details of creating these luscious bites of pecan goodness.
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 24 |
| Category | Tarts |
| Description | A fabulous dessert with only 81.5 calories each, perfect for any occasion. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 81.5 |
| Total Fat | 2.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 13.2 mg |
| Sodium | 45.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugars | 6.3 g |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | Dash |
| Low-fat cream cheese | 1 package (8 oz) |
| Butter | 1/4 cup (softened) |
| Margarine | 2 tablespoons |
| Skim milk | 1/3 cup |
| Pecans (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Light corn syrup | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Egg | 1 large |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring that it reaches the proper temperature for an even bake.
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Prepare the Pastry:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and a dash of salt. Mix well to incorporate all dry ingredients.
- In a larger bowl, mix together 1 package (8 oz) low-fat cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, and 1/3 cup skim milk. Beat this mixture with a mixer at medium speed until it is well blended and creamy.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the cream cheese mixture, beating at low speed just until the mixture is blended and crumbly. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can toughen the pastry.
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Form the Dough: Press the dough into a ball and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough lightly 3 to 4 times to bring it together, then divide it into 24 equal portions.
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Shape the Pastry Cups: Place one portion of dough in each of 24 mini muffin cups that have been coated with cooking spray. Using your fingers, gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of each cup, creating a small well for the filling.
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Prepare the Filling:
- Evenly divide the 1/2 cup chopped pecans among the muffin cups, placing them at the bottom of each pastry shell.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon light corn syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1 large egg. Whisk this mixture until smooth and well combined.
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Fill the Pastry Cups: Spoon approximately 2 teaspoons of the filling over the pecans in each muffin cup, ensuring they are evenly filled.
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Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is lightly browned and the filling appears puffy.
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Cool: Once baked, allow the tassies to cool in the muffin cups for about 10 minutes on a wire rack. This cooling period will help the filling set slightly.
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Remove from Cups: Carefully run a knife around the outside edge of each cup to loosen the tassies, and gently remove them from the muffin tin. Allow them to cool completely on the wire rack.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, these delightful Light Pecan Tassies can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container. They make a perfect addition to any dessert spread, offering a sweet yet light treat that everyone will love.
Conclusion
These Light Pecan Tassies in Cream Cheese Pastry are a perfect blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures, all while being mindful of your calorie intake. With their buttery pastry and sweet pecan filling, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering, whether it’s a festive holiday celebration or a casual get-together with friends. Each bite is a little piece of heaven, and with only 81.5 calories per serving, you can indulge without any regrets. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert, and watch it become a favorite among your family and friends!
By following these detailed instructions and utilizing the carefully selected ingredients, you will create a batch of Light Pecan Tassies that not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also bring a touch of elegance to your dessert offerings.
