Sweetie Pies

by , on
Dec 17, 2016

For a while, when I was young and naïve, I wanted to open a pie
shop. It’s name was to be Sweetie Pies.

Well, that or Pi R Round. I would have used this name if it had
been near MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).

I have always been a pie fan, and prefer a good pie to most
desserts.

My favorites are fruit pies. Apple, peach, blueberry, strawberry,
or mixtures like cherry-berry-peach pie. Key lime is also a favorite, and I
have a hard time saying no to any lemon tart.

Pecan pie is a sticky one for me, though, in more ways than one.
We have a love-hate relationship. I can only take a little at a time because it
is so darned rich. And sweet. And rich.

Whenever I cook a Cajun or New Orleanian meal, pecan pie seems to
be the most logical dessert. But the cuisines themselves are rich, so only a
little tidbit is wanted afterwards.

When looking for a post-gumbo dessert for Dianne and her
daughter, Kitt, I came upon this recipe from Langlois in New Orleans. They were the perfect little ending
for our meal, and make for a great holiday treat. I made a few adjustments to make them easier for you!

Enjoy, mes chers!
~ David

Langlois’ Pecan Praline Bites

non-stick baker’s spray
parchment paper
1 egg
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup flour, all-purpose
1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
confectioner’s sugar for dusting, optional
Preheat oven to 350°.
Spray a non-stick mini muffin pan.
Cut out 24 circles of parchment paper
to line the bottoms of the muffin cups. Don’t skip this part or you will have a
terrible time getting the little cakes out!
Mix egg, dark brown sugar, flour and pecans together in a bowl.
Slowly stir in melted butter a little at a time, until the batter is not able
to absorb any more. You may have butter left over. This will depend entirely on
your humidity. Some flours will absorb more. The batter will be wet but still
thick and should not be too runny. Add a little extra flour if needed. Scoop dough into a pastry bag and pipe into mini muffin pan cups,
filling each three-quarters full. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Turn out onto a
parchment lined sheet tray. (You might need to go around the sides with a thin
spatula to get them to release.) Remove the parchment from the bottom of each pecan bite, and allow to cool completely. Dust with confectioner’s sugar, if desired.



Makes 24.

26 Comments

  1. Sippity Sup

    December 17, 2016 at 5:57 pm

    Just the word praline say NOLA to me. I hear you about Pecan Pie too. It's one of my must-haves at T-Gives but I always take a teeny sliver. THese bites are now my new must-have. GREG

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      December 20, 2016 at 9:48 am

      Just one of few cases where more is not better, Greg!

      Reply
  2. Joan

    December 17, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    Inspiring, yummy, feast for eyes!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      December 20, 2016 at 9:48 am

      Thanks, Joan! I hope you and your family have a peaceful Christmas.

      Reply
  3. Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things

    December 17, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    I love the look of these, David. But even more, I love the name of your pie shop. xx

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      December 20, 2016 at 9:49 am

      Thanks, Liz! The dreams of youth are sometimes the best!

      Reply
  4. Inger @ Art of Natural Living

    December 18, 2016 at 12:11 am

    I think mini desserts are the BEST. And you will be happy to know that there IS a Sweetie Pies pie shop near our "cabin up north"–see http://www.doorcountypies.com/ If you are ever in the area we will take you to visit!

    Reply
  5. Jean | DelightfulRepast.com

    December 18, 2016 at 3:48 am

    David, I like mini desserts, too. Just a couple of sweet bites. These look wonderful!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      December 20, 2016 at 9:50 am

      Thanks, Jean – every meal needs just a little something at the end!

      Reply
  6. Unknown

    December 18, 2016 at 6:06 pm

    Several years ago I was playing Clairee in Steel Magnolias. She brought Pecan Tassies to the beauty salon. I had never heard of them before but looked them up and made them. I believe this is the recipe you have here. Yummy!

    Reply
  7. Nutmeg

    December 19, 2016 at 8:36 pm

    Do you deliver? 🙂

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      December 20, 2016 at 9:51 am

      Yes, Carolyne, but the delivery charges are exhorbitant!

      Reply
  8. Frank

    December 21, 2016 at 12:40 pm

    Pecan pie has always been one of my favorites. And I love the name "Sweetie Pie"…

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      December 25, 2016 at 9:31 am

      Frank… just writing this post has once again made me want to open that pie shop!

      Reply
  9. All That I'm Eating

    December 22, 2016 at 8:44 am

    What a lovely name, the pecans in these must give them such a great flavour.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      December 25, 2016 at 9:32 am

      Caroline – the flavor really is wonderful and you should try them. They will be perfect with your tea!

      Reply
  10. Valentina

    December 22, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    I love these! And while I adore their tiny size, I'd probably eat 10! Lovely!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      December 25, 2016 at 9:33 am

      They you have greater capacity that I, Valentina! I could only manage four!

      Reply
  11. John | heneedsfood

    December 25, 2016 at 3:00 pm

    Now THESE are just adorable! I may feel a little high on sugar after shoving half a dozen into my mouth (or perhaps a dainty lady-nibble), but I'd enjoy them, no doubt.

    Maybe when I open my shop I can make a batch of these to sell at the counter – credit to you, of course!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      December 26, 2016 at 7:10 am

      When are you opening your shop, John? Is that a real plan?

      These are tasty and, being small, you can eat a lot (about the same amount as a piece of pie) and feel like you are being good because they are so tiny!

      Reply
  12. Caroline @ Pinch Me, I'm Eating!

    December 25, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    I love pie, but I always forget to eat more than the first slice! Now, pies that are cookie-sized… that I can get behind! And pecan pie is one of my favorites!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      December 26, 2016 at 7:12 am

      I'm trying to remember the last time I forgot to eat pie. Um, … that would be never!

      Reply
  13. Provence WineZine

    February 5, 2017 at 4:45 pm

    In the case of pecan pie, wonderful as it is, a little does go along way! These are brilliant!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      February 5, 2017 at 6:12 pm

      They would be perfect for your afternoon cup of tea!

      Reply

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