Joey's Easy Pumpkin Tart

 This recipe is a combination of several recipes. As I often do, I took different ideas from a few different recipes, switched things around a little and came up with something new! I must say I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out! Of course it's very similar to classic pumpkin pie, but it's a little smoother, and the crust adds a nice crunch. It's so delicious and flavorful, you might not go back to your regular pumpkin pie! And it's really simple too! Perfect for any holiday meal.
Try it!



Crust:
2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
1 cup crushed pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar
5 tbs melted butter


 Filling:
1 15oz can pumpkin puree
1 14oz an sweetened condensed milk
2 large egg yolks
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 cup sugar

 Heat oven to 350ºF.
Combine crust ingredients and press into a 9" tart pan with removable bottom. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or straight sided jar to press crumbs into tart pan. Place pan on a baking tray, and bake crust for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, make the filling.
 Stir together all filling ingredients except the sugar. Pour mixture into baked crust. (no need to cool). Sprinkle top with sugar. Let it sit for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves a bit. Bake in oven for 45 minutes or until set. Cool completely or chill before serving. Top with whipped cream or non-dairy whipped topping.


Tips:
For the crust, I like to keep the pecans a little more coarse than the cookie crumbs. This gives it a little bit more of a crunchy texture.
For an easy variation, try a different kind of cookie, such as ginger snaps, Lorna Doones, Pecan Sandies, or graham crackers. 
If you're not a pecan fan, use any favorite nuts instead, or simply leave them out!
To make beautifully clean cuts, use a big sharp knife (Chrissy, bring me the big knife!) Then instead of pulling the knife through it, (which could break up the crust), place the point of the knife in the center with entire edge of the knife on the surface of the tart, then use the whole knife to make the cut in a downward chop sort of a motion. You'll get PERFECTLY clean cuts, even on the first piece!