Butter Pecan Cheesecake Tarts

Imagine a party where every guest receives his or her own cheesecake! Wow, it sounds like a Christmas miracle, but you can make it a yummy reality with this simple recipe.

Cooking Time: 25 min

Ingredients

• 24 vanilla wafer cookies
• 1/4 cup (½ stick) butter
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 teaspoons butter-flavored extract
• 24 pecan halves

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.. Line 24 muffin cups with paper baking cups and place a vanilla wafer in each.
   
   
2. Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes (be careful not to burn the butter); set aside and allow to cool.
   
   
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add the eggs and extract and beat until thoroughly combined. Stir in the chopped pecan mixture; mix well and fill each muffin cup 3/4 full. Top each with a pecan half.
   
   
4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until firm. Allow to cool completely then cover and chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
   
   
5. Makes 2 dozen tarts.