Walnut Petites

Directions

1. 1
   Beat together cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth.
2. 2
   Sift in flour and a pinch of salt and stir until mixture forms a dough.
3. 3
   Divide dough into quarters, then chill, each wrapped in plastic wrap, at least 1 hour.
4. 4
   Preheat oven to 350F.
5. 5
   Make 12 balls from each piece of dough.
6. 6
   Press each ball into bottom and up sides of a mini-muffin cup to form a pastry shell.
7. 7
   Chill until ready to fill.
8. 8
   Whisk together eggs, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until blended, then stir in walnuts.
9. 9
   Fill each pastry shell with 1 teaspoon filling.
10. 10
    Bake in batches in middle of oven until filling is bubbling and pastry is light brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
11. 11
    Run a sharp knife around edges of pastries, then transfer to a rack and cool.