Lone Star Peach Tassies

Description and History

Lone Star Peach Tassies are a delightful, bite-sized dessert that combines the rustic charm of classic Southern baking with the versatility of peaches, a beloved fruit in the Lone Star State, Texas. This recipe draws inspiration from the rich tradition of Texan hospitality where desserts like peach cobbler have been a staple at family gatherings and community potlucks for generations. The origin of tassies comes from Scottish bakers who brought their small tartlet techniques to America, and through the years, innovative cooks have adapted these into various sweet and savory treats.

Ingredients

• Cream Cheese - 8 oz, softened
• Unsalted Butter - 1/2 cup, softened
• All-Purpose Flour - 1 cup
• Chopped Peaches - 2 cups, fresh or canned
• Granulated Sugar - 1/2 cup
• Brown Sugar - 1/4 cup
• Vanilla Extract - 1 tsp
• Ground Cinnamon - 1 tsp
• Baking Powder - 1/2 tsp
• Salt - 1/4 tsp
• Egg - 1, beaten

Equipment

• Mini Muffin Tin
• Mixing Bowls
• Microwave or Stovetop for melting butter
• Oven
• Cooking Spray or additional Butter for greasing

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
3. Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms. Divide the dough into 24 equal portions. Press into the bottom and up the sides of greased mini muffin cups.
4. In another bowl, combine chopped peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and a beaten egg. Mix until evenly combined.
5. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the peach mixture into each of the prepared cups.

Cooking Process

1. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until crust is golden brown and peach filling is set.
2. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes.
3. Carefully remove each tassie and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. If desired, sprinkle with additional cinnamon before serving.

Timing

The overall cooking time including preparation is approximately 45-60 minutes.

How to Enjoy

These Lone Star Peach Tassies can be served as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat with afternoon tea or coffee. They stand out at festive gatherings and make for a perfect bite-sized indulgence. For an extra serving suggestion, you can top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for decadence with every bite. Best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days, maintaining their flaky crust and juicy peach filling.