Buttery pastry cups with a sweet nut filling — they're a fun alternative to cookies, and showy as well.

Nut Tartlets

1 cup unsalted butter
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
2 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups chopped nuts
3 tablespoons powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the first addition of butter with cream cheese and flour.
   Pat the mixture into the bottom of each cup in a standard 12 cup muffin tin; set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then beat in brown sugar. Add melted butter, vanilla and chopped nuts; mix well.
4. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full with nut mixture. Bake 20 minutes or until light brown. Cool slightly, remove from pan; sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Makes 12 servings.