Bourbon Pecan Tarts

This is time of year when we all start bringing out those sweaters and boots! It's also time to break out the hot spiced cider and those much loved recipes that bring such wonderful memories of holidays gone by. Traditions run deep in my family and food has always been the center piece of the event.While thinking about traveling the world and the food that is out there in every nook and cranny, we cannot forget the beautiful country and wonderful vacations offered right here in the United States. Each area of this beautiful country offers a diverse array of culinary treats! The pioneers of this country made do with whatever the areas offers them and therefore dictated what went on the table, not only on a daily basis, but also for celebrations. We as Americans have the great privilege of celebrating Thanksgiving. The word alone brings to mind the many meals shared and the delicious food prepared lovingly by family and friends, some off who have passed on to the next great adventure. This time honored tradition is the perfect opportunity to remember all of these beloved people but also a way to honor them by continuing the traditions and the food. Traveling the world through food is my passion and this holiday season I plan on doing just that. Stay tuned for the recipes that have emerged from the many diverse areas of our beautiful United States, and explore the holiday traditions of these regions. From sea to shining sea! We would love to hear from you! If you have a family tradition or a recipe you would like to share for the upcoming holidays please submit your recipe to LouAnn@WideWorldOfRecipes.com and include a brief story along with it! I will post it to be shared and enjoyed!

As a child I always thought having desert first would just be the best thing in the world, so now, as an adult, I don't normally have my desert first but I certainly can treat myself by making a Southern favorite the first recipe in this series. Nothing says the South like the Bourbon and Pecans! Pairing the two makes for delicious treats.

Bourbon Pecan Tarts

Crusts:
4 sticks unsalted butter, diced
4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling:
3 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup dark corn syrup 
1/2 cup light corn syrup
3 tablespoons bourbon
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups pecan halves

Equipment: a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment; 9 (4 1/2-inch) fluted tart pans with removable bottoms. Put a baking sheet on middle rack of oven and preheat to 375°F. Mix crust ingredients in mixer at low speed until a dough forms, 5 to 7 minutes. Press 1/3 cup dough onto bottom and up side of each tart pan, making sides slightly thicker. Chill. Meanwhile whisk together eggs, sugar, butter, corn syrups, bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Divide pecans among tarts, then add filling. Bake on hot baking sheet in oven until filling is just set and crust is golden-brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on racks completely before slicing to serve. Serve with bourbon flavored whipped cream if desired.