Recipe(tried): Tassies

Tassies

Shells:
1 3-oz pkg cream cheese, room temp.
1/2 cup butter, room temp.
1 cup flour

Cream the butter & cream cheese together, then work in the flour. Chill the dough if too soft. Roll into 24 little balls and press each one into an ungreased miniature muffin tin, making a shell.

Filling:
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 TBSP butter

Mix ingredients over very low heat (add egg last-you don't want it to start cooking) and then spoon the mixture into the shells. Bake for 30 minutes (or until set) in 350 degree oven. Cool and remove from pan.
(Note: these freeze very well.)

This same kind of pastry shell can be used in making very good appetizers. A great, easy one is:

Baby Quiches

Shells: Same as above

Filling:
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup grated Swiss cheese

Combine the egg, milk and salt. Divide the cheese among the little shells. Spoon the egg mixture in and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

These get snapped up quickly at any party. Also, they freeze well and can be made in advance.