English Tea Cakes

Sadly, the Season Finale of Downton Abby has come this evening. :(  Not long ago, I sat down and watched the first episode of season one, because I was wondering what everyone was talking about.  Within two days I completed season one and was moving on to season two!  I guess you could say I was hooked!  There's just something about a British accent that draws me in.  That and the writer's incredible story line!  You will fall in love with the characters of Downton Abby. (Some of my favorite's are Mr. Bates, Anna, Mary, and Matthew in no particular order!)
In honor of the season finale I thought I would make some English Tea Cakes to share with you!  They are a quick and simple treat that goes perfectly with afternoon tea!

English Tea Cakes:

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

24 Pecan halves

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in vanilla.  Gradually add in the flour and mix well.  Place about one tablespoon of the dough into a greased miniature muffin pan.  Flatten, and place a pecan  into the center of each.  Bake at 350 degrees for 11-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly browned.  Cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan. (Makes: 2 dozen)

I pulled out my mini tart shaper because I rarely use it, but you can just use your fingers to push the dough into the pan too.  

As you can see here, the dough is not very moist.

 Once you have it in the muffin pan, place the pecan halve on each.

Of course with any afternoon tea there needs to be some freshly polished silver.  If only Mr. Carson, (he's the head butler) had been here to help me make these beauties sparkle and shine, (that is some hard work!).

Seriously, if you haven't sat down to watch Downton Abby yet, there is no better time to start than now! Make these tasty little English Tea Cakes and visit pbs.org to start with Season One!!

Let's do this again when Season Four begins.  

Have a great week!

Just for fun, I'm linked up at these parties:  Watch Out Martha