Chocolate Pecan Tartlets

I have been making this pecan pie recipe for years.  It started as a staple for a Kentucky Derby Party and now I make it as a delicious ending for special meals.  The tartlets are simply an adaptation of the pie recipe.  The hallmark of this recipe is it's simplicity to make.  I always have the ingredients on hand and can have one ready for the oven quickly.  I baked the tartlets in 6 oz. ramekins.  The same recipe will fill one 9" pie shell. 

Chocolate Pecan Tartlets

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make pie crust and set aside.

Crust (enough for a single 9" crust or for 6 tartlets)

-Combine with fingers until fine crumbs are formed:
1 1/4 Cup Flour sifted with a pinch of salt\
6 tablespoons Shortening / Unsalted Butter (Chilled)
(If you use butter grate it into the flour)
-Stir in until just combined:
1/4 cup ICE water

Form dough into ball and set aside while you make the filling.

Chocolate Pecan Filling (fills 1 regular pie crust or 6 tartlets)

-Melt slowly in microwave:
4 - 5 oz. semi-sweet chocolate with
2 tablespoons butter
-Set aside to cool slightly

-In large mixing bowl combine and stir:
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs slightly beaten
1 cup Karo syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-Add the chocolate mixture and stir until combined.
Add 1 1/2 pecan halves

Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface.  I used a 12 oz. peanut tin with both ends taken off with a can opener to cut the rounds I needed to fill the tartlet shells.  If you are making a pecan pie just roll out your dough on a floured surface and drop into the pie plate.  I usually pinch the edges using my forefinger and thumb of both hands to make a zigzag pattern. 

I sprinkle a little flour in the bottom of the ramekins.  Gently put the rounds into the ramekin folding the dough to make it fit and pressing it up against the edges.  Fill the shells to 3/4 full.  Bake for 30 mins. at 350 degrees.  The filling will puff up and start to crack when done.  Do not overbake because the pecans will take on a burnt flavor.  The pie takes at least 50 minutes to bake and sometimes longer.

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving.