Apricot Pecan Tassies

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter
    (no substitutes, softened, divided
6 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup diced dried apricots
1/3 cup chopped pecans

In a mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup butter and cream cheese. Gradually add flour, beating until mixture forms a ball. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, salt and remaining butter. Stir in apricots and pecans; set aside.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of greased miniature muffin cups. Spoon 1 teaspoon apricot mixture into each cup. Bake at 325 degrees F for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pans on wire racks.

Yields 2 dozen.

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