Creations, A Painted Apron! Mini Pecan Pies!

the Painted Apron

12 years ago

Yep, today I am actually bringing you a painted apron!

The nice folks at Dixie Crystals Sugar asked me to do a post with a Thanksgiving kids craft

No problem! Super Boy and I are always looking for projects! They have tons of ideas on their website for lots of holiday baking. Click here to see more!

After looking at the projects we decided to paint some aprons and bake some pies!

“I’ve done this before at school Gigi” he said

“You know what?” I asked, “It’s a good idea to practice a little, I always do some practice sketches before I paint.”

“Okay, but my turkeys are actually very good.”

Yes, he actually says actually

We used regular acrylic paint, but any craft paint will do. Once acrylic paint dries, it won’t wash out of clothes. You can trust me on this, and look in my closet….I’m experienced 🙂

“Wow! That looks great, I think you’re ready for the aprons!”

“It looks like mud! Is it gonna stain my hand?” he asked. “No, don’t worry, it will wash right off,” I said…

“But we want it to stain the apron, right?” he asked, nodding his head.

“Yes, it will stay on the apron. Once it dries I’m going to add details with markers, you know, legs and a beak.” I told him

“You better practice too!” he said

“There, look! Our turkeys look great!”

We made an apron for Dad too, since he’s the head chef this year for our Thanksgiving feast~

“Ready to try your apron out? Let’s make some pecan pies!”

This recipe is so easy, literally a child can make these! We used a 3 inch biscuit cutter to cut pie crust circles

I gently placed the rounds in the mini cupcake pan and asked Super Boy to put 5 chocolate chips in each one

He was very serious about this part! Next, we added 3 pecan halves

We were practicing math skills too! You could use chopped pecans but this was ~~easier~~ more fun~

Next we mixed up the filling: eggs, corn syrup, vanilla, melted butter, and Dixie Crystals Sugar of course!

Baking is tiring!

I transferred the filling into a measuring cup and carefully poured it into each mini pie just to the brim

After baking for 15 minutes in a 400 degree oven, turn down oven to 300 and bake for 10 more minutes or until set.

It was unanimous! We all agreed!

Chocolate, pecans, sugary filling and pie crust married together in a perfect little bite!

All you need is a painted apron!

And a little turkey to wear it!

Here’s the recipe:

MINI PECAN PIES w/chocolate

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword chocolate, mini pies, pecan pie, pecans, pie crust dough

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Servings 24 pies

Equipment

mini cupcake pans {silicone recommended}

Ingredients

2 refrigerated pie crust dough rounds [1 package]
2 large eggs
2/3 cup Dixie Crystals sugar
1/2 cup Light Karo Syrup
2 T butter melted
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
pecan halves [72]
chocolate chips [120]
silicone mini cupcake pan*

Instructions

Roll out each pie crust round a little to thin and flatten. Using a 3 inch diameter biscuit cutter or glass, cut rounds.
Re-roll dough and continue to cut rounds. Each dough crust should yield 12 rounds.
Gently place rounds into mini cupcake pan, pleating edges to fit.
Place 5 chocolate chips in each pie and top with 3 pecan halves.
Combine eggs, sugar, butter, syrup, salt and vanilla and whisk to combine.
Slowly and carefully pour liquid into each pie almost to the brim. [You might have more than you need] Try to submerge pecans to prevent them from burning.
Bake pies in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes. This will get your crust cooked. Then to insure the inside is cooked reduce oven temperature to 300 and continue baking 10 more minutes or until filling is set and pies look done. Let cool and carefully pop from pan. Makes 2 dozen.