Double Nut & Date Tassies

bikinibrooke123

2 dozen cookies

Active Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes


Ingredients;
Crust;
1/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour (see Note)
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pinch of salt

Filling;
4 ounces pitted dried dates (about 3/4 cup)
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting or whipped cream for garnish






Preparation;
1.Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 24 mini muffin cups with cooking spray.
2.To prepare crust: Pulse flour, brown sugar, walnuts, cornstarch, 2 tablespoons butter and salt in a food processor (a mini food processor works well) until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Divide the crust mixture among the prepared mini muffin cups (about 1 1/4 teaspoons per cup) and press evenly into the bottoms.
3.To prepare filling: Combine dates, water, brown sugar and 2 1/2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid has cooked away, 8 to 12 minutes. Let cool slightly, then process the date mixture in a blender or food processor until processed into a paste. Add cream cheese and vanilla; blend or process to combine. Transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in pecans. Divide the date-nut filling among muffin cups (1 generous teaspoon each), gently pressing the filling down and smoothing the tops.
4.Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is lightly cooked, 15 to 17 minutes. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Loosen the edges of the crust with a small spatula or butter knife and transfer the tassies to a wire rack to cool. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.



Tips & Notes;
Make Ahead Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. | Equipment: 24-cup mini muffin pan or two 12-cup mini muffin pans.

Nutrition

93 calories;
6 g fat (2 g sat, 2 g mono);
7 mg cholesterol;
10 g carbohydrates;
1 g protein; 1g fiber;
24 mg sodium;
60 mg potassium:smooched: