Pecan Pie Muffins AKA Pieces Of Heaven

Do you say "pee-can" or "peh-cann"?  I am a "peh-cann" kind of girl.  Southerns tend to say "pee-can".  Either way, these pecan pie muffins are so good.  I mean really good.  Extra specially good.  Divine in fact.  The recipe was emailed to me by my sister.  I have no idea where she got the recipe, but am I ever so glad she did.  They are just like eating little pecan pies.  Seriously.  What could be better?

It was raining cats and dogs this morning and our two and a half year old grandson was spending some time with us while his mom worked on a writing deadline.  We couldn't go outside, so I asked him if he would like to help me make some muffins.  He is a "mini chef" and is ALWAYS up for baking.  I also love having him share the kitchen with me because we are baking memories.  (Did you catch that?  That's not a typo.)

If I took a survey among the male members in our extended family concerning their favorite pie, I know that the answer would be pecan.  How do I know that?  Because I make them for holidays and upon request.  Therefore, why wouldn't they love these delectable little pieces of heaven?  They are much easier to make than a pie and taste just like eating a piece of home made pecan pie and you don't have to fool with a crust.  Even better!   Here is what you need:

1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
2/3 cups super softened butter
2 whole eggs beaten

Grease a muffin tin - and I mean REALLY grease the cups because these muffins are sticky and you don't want to lose one precious morsel.  Don't use paper cups.

In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour and pecans.

In a small bowl using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and add the super softened butter, continue beating until smooth.  Add the sugar mixture and thoroughly mix.

The batter looks kind of like chocolate chip cookie dough only not quite as stiff.

Fill the muffin tin cups 2/3 of the way full.   Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

I used a muffin tin that is not real deep and I got a dozen muffins.  The recipe said  it makes 9 - just so you know to double the recipe because these won't last very long at all!!  They are a little crispy around the top edges and chewy and delicious in the center.  Aaaaaaaamazing.  I could see eating them with some whipped cream on top or a nice dollop of vanilla ice cream.  (Note to self.)  Mmm mmm mmm.

Dan ate one, and then insisted that he really needed another (who can blame him?).  Holly ate one when she came in and declared them fabulous.  Yes, I have had one (or two) myself.  They are sooooooooo good - especially with a nice hot cup of coffee (like now).  Yes, I ate one while typing this.  I just couldn't resist.  Now you want one don't you?

If you like pecan pie, or anyone in your family likes it, give these a try.  They are easy and delicious.  Two really good words in combination, don't you think?  Start preheating the oven.........

Everyday Donna

Things to Remember

Commander Charles Trip Tucker III:  (about pecan pie)  May not be good for the body, but it sure is good for the soul.    (from the movie Enterprise, 2001)