TOASTED WALNUT OR PECAN FILLING
About 1 ½ cups
Brown sugar and toasted nuts make a superb filling.
Combine in a small saucepan:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cook over low heat, whisking, until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from the heat. Whisk in a small bowl:
- 2 large egg yolks
Add a little of the hot brown sugar mixture to the yolks to warm them, whisking constantly, then whisk the tempered yolks into the saucepan. Return to low heat and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in:
- 1 ½ cups chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
Use immediately.