When it comes to hosting a tea party for a few friends, often times we stress over what type of foods to serve. During a party, you want to stick with light finger-style foods such as: tarts, fancy cookies, biscotti, muffins, pastries, cake and scones. My guests have often told me that these 3 re
cipes that I make for my parties, are their favorites. I like to line my platters or dessert-style serving plates with lace doilies before arranging the food goodies on top. It just makes for a nicer presentation.Tea Time Tassies1 (3 ounce) block cream cheese1/2 cup butter, softened1 cup flourFilling:1 egg1 teaspoon vanilla extract3/4 cup brown sugardash of salt2/3 cup chopped pecans1 tablespoon butter, softenedLet cream cheese and butter soften to room temperature, then blend together. Mix in flour. Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Remove and shape into 2 dozen 1-inch balls. Place balls into mini greased muffin cups. Press dough on bottoms and sides of each cup.To make filling: Beat together egg, brown sugar, butter, vanilla and salt until smooth. Divide half of pecan pieces among pastry-lined muffin cups. Add egg mixture, then top with remaining pecan pieces. Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan.Mini Tea Cake Balls1 cup butter1/2 cup Confectioner’s sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 1/2 cups flour1/4 teaspoon salt3/4 cup chopped nuts (your choice)In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until blended. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Bake in a 350 degree oven on a ungreased cookie sheet for 6-8 minutes or until set. Do not let them get brown. While warm, roll in powdered sugar. After they have cooled, roll the balls in powdered sugar again.Lemon-Butter SnowbarsCrust:1/2 cup butter, softened1 1/3 cups flour1/4 cup granulated sugarFilling:2 eggs3/4 cup granulated sugar2 tablespoons flour1/4 teaspoon baking powder3 tablespoons fresh lemon juiceIn a medium bowl, combine the crust ingredients, blend thoroughly. Pat dough into an ungreased 8″ square baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.In a large bowl, combine filling ingredients, blending well. Pour filling over partially baked crust. Bake for 18 minutes or until set. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar and let cool.