Mini Tart Buffet

Steps

• 1

  Make Créme Anglaise. In 2-quart saucepan, heat cream and vanilla bean (if using vanilla, add at the end) just to boiling over low heat. In small bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar with wire whisk. Beat small amount of hot cream into yolks. Blend yolk mixture into cream in saucepan; cook over low heat about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until custard coats a spoon. DO NOT BOIL. Remove from heat. Remove vanilla bean and scrape seeds into sauce. Stir until seeds separate. Cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Refrigerate until serving time.
• 2

  Heat oven to 450°F. Spray back of 12-cup regular-size muffin pan with cooking spray. Remove pie crust from pouch; unroll on work surface. Sprinkle crust with sugar; press in lightly. Cut 6 rounds from crust with 4-inch round cookie cutter, or trace 6 rounds with top of large drinking glass and cut out with sharp knife.
• 3

  Fit rounds, sugared side up, alternately over backs of muffin cups. Pinch 5 equally-spaced pleats around side of each cup. Prick each generously with fork.
• 4

  Bake 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes. Carefully remove tart shells from muffin cups. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• 5

  Just before serving, arrange tart shells on tray with toppings and Créme Anglaise in separate serving containers. Cover and refrigerate any remaining Créme Anglaise.