Chocolate Pecan Goodness

I started to title this post as Chocolate Pecan Tart but this filling is really too good to be limited to a tart!  A lot (actually most) of my best recipes and the things I go back to time and time again come straight from my mother.  I'm really happy with the collection of recipes I have from her and writing about this makes me realize I should organize them a little better (add that to the project list)!  So .... here's my favorite recipe for Chocolate Pecan goodness.  Thanks Mom!

Chocolate Pecan Tarts



For the crust:

You can approach this a few different ways.  If you have a favorite pie crust recipe that you love, use that one (the Barefoot Contessa has a great one).  If not and you'd prefer to not make your own just grab one from the grocery store ... I think the Publix brand is just as good as any name brand!

For the filing:

1/2 cup butter

1 cup light karo syrup

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup cocoa

Mix together these first 4 ingredients and simmer. 

4 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

Add eggs and vanilla then stir until thickened.

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup coconut (this is optional but really yummy)

Add the last three ingredients and stir to mix in. 

Allow to cool slightly and pour into your pre-baked pie crust or mini tartlets and refrigerate.

**My favorite way to eat this is to make miniature "pop tarts" just like my mom does.  To do that just lay your pie crust out flat and cut into "2 bite" size squares.  Add a dollop of filling to one square, top with the other, crimp around the edges with your fork and poke a few fork holes in the top.  Glaze with an egg wash and bake in the oven at 350 degrees until the tarts of browned.

Enjoy ya'll!!