Derby tarts are a delightful and elegant treat that combines the rich flavors of caramel and pecans, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee during a cozy afternoon at home. These mini tarts are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious, making them an ideal choice for serving at gatherings or simply savoring as a special indulgence. With a buttery crust and a gooey caramel-pecan filling, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the recipe for making these scrumptious Derby tarts!
### Derby Tarts
#### Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg yolk
– 1/4 cup cold water
– 1 cup pecan halves
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Crust:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter, and blend using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Add the egg yolk and cold water to the mixture, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Make the Filling:**
– In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the brown sugar and a pinch of salt until the sugar has dissolved.
– Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
– Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the caramel-pecan filling cool slightly.
3. **Assemble the Tarts:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
– Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles slightly larger than the muffin tin openings.
– Gently press the dough circles into the muffin tin, forming little tart shells. Dock the bottoms of the shells with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
– Place a few pecan halves at the bottom of each tart shell.
– Spoon the caramel-pecan filling into each tart shell, filling them almost to the brim.
4. **Bake and Serve:**
– Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
– Once baked, allow the tarts to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
– Serve the Derby tarts warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional pecans if desired. Enjoy their buttery crust and gooey caramel filling!
These delightful Derby tarts are a true testament to the joy of homemade treats. With their perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, they make for a memorable dessert or snack that is sure to impress your guests or bring a smile to your own face. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of these charming mini tarts for a delightful culinary experience!
