Regulation Overtime!!!

Super Bowl Parties do not consist of low calorie eats, but you already know that much.  That's why New Year's eating resolutions should start after the Super Bowl.  That being said, one dessert for this party just isn't enough so let's add another!

This recipe is easy, but the presentation makes it look harder than it really is.  I copied this recipe a few years ago while watching Paula Deen's Best Dishes.  It is, without a doubt, one of my family's top favorites.  Instead of a cookie wafer crust I make a cinnamon graham cracker, pecan crust.  Give it a try and you're sure to score extra points!

Cream Cheese Tarts
2 (8 oz) packeages of cream cheese (room temperature)
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
9 cinnamon graham crackers (1 pk)
6 tsp butter
1/4 cup toasted pecans
whipped cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place cupcake liners in muffin pan.

Crust:
Toast pecans in oven for 3-4 minutes.  Finely chop the pecans.  Melt butter in microwave oven in a microwave safe bowl.  Crush graham crackers in a large plastic bag by rolling it with a rolling pin.  Pour  graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl and mix with a spoon until mixture sticks together when you pinch it.

Beat cream cheese in mixer until fluffy.  Gradually add sugar.  Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition.  Put a rounded tablespoon of crust in bottom of each muffin cup and press down with your thumb.  Sprinkle a little of the pecans on top of crust.  Spoon a rounded tablespoon of cream cheese mixture on top of pecans.  Bake for 20 minutes.  Allow tarts to cool completely.  Top with whipped cream and fruit of your choice.  I usually stretch the cream cheese mixture to get 18 tarts so that I can add more whipped cream on each tart.