The Sweet Taste of Savannah: A Beginner's Guide to Making Pecan Tassies Imagine yourself strolling through the charming Historic District of Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by moss-draped oak trees and quaint antebellum architecture.

The Sweet Taste of Savannah: A Beginner's Guide to Making Pecan Tassies

Imagine yourself strolling through the charming Historic District of Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by moss-draped oak trees and quaint antebellum architecture. As you wander along the picturesque streets, the sweet aroma of freshly baked pecan tassies wafts from a nearby café, tantalizing your taste buds. These delicious Southern treats are a staple in Savannah's culinary scene, and with this guide, you'll be able to recreate them in the comfort of your own home.

Pecan Tassies are a classic Southern dessert that consists of a flaky pastry crust filled with a rich mixture of pecans, sugar, eggs, and butter. They're perfect for serving at family gatherings, parties, or as a sweet treat to enjoy on your own. To make these delightful pastries, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of pecan halves
• 1 egg, beaten
• Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Preparing the Pastry Crust

To make the pastry crust, combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Assembling the Tassies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled pastry disks to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of dough. You should be able to get about 12-15 circles.

Place a pecan half in the center of each circle, leaving a small border around it. Fold the dough over the pecans and press the edges together to seal the tassie. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border.

Baking the Tassies

Place the tassies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each pastry. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

Bake the tassies for 20-25 minutes or until they're golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

• To ensure that your pastry crust is flaky and tender, make sure to keep the butter cold and handle the dough gently.
• If you want to add an extra layer of flavor to your tassies, sprinkle a pinch of salt on top of each pastry before baking.
• Consider using other types of nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts, in place of pecans for a different twist.

Pecan Tassies are a beloved Southern dessert that's perfect for any occasion. With this guide, you'll be able to create these delicious pastries in the comfort of your own home and enjoy them throughout the year. So go ahead, get baking, and indulge in the sweet taste of Savannah!

Practical Info

To make Pecan Tassies in Savannah, visit the historic district's many bakeries and cafes that offer this dessert. Some popular spots include:

• The Olde Pink House
• Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
• Leopold's Ice Cream

Note: Check with each location for hours of operation and availability.