Mini Turtle Cheesecakes

My friend Ruby made these addictive little cheesecakes. I love chocolate and caramel together and so this dessert was one of my faves. I couldn't believe how easy they were to make too! Here's the recipe Ruby gave me...

Mini Turtle Cheesecakes
originally from November 2010 Pillsbury Thanksgiving Magazine

1 box refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on package
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tbsps caramel topping
1 egg
1/2 tsp vegetable oil
2 tbsps finely chopped pecans

Heat oven to 450º. Remove 1 crust from pouch and unroll on work surface. Roll lightly with a rolling pin. Cut 12 rounds from crust with a 2 1/2 inch to 2 3/4 inch cookie cutter. Press rounds into 12 mini muffin cups. Repeat with remaining pie crust. Place about 5 chocolate chips in each crust.

Bake 6 minutes. Leave crusts in pan and reduce oven temperature to 375º.

In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, brown sugar, caramel topping and egg with electric mixer until well combined and creamy. Spoon about 1 1/2 tsps into each crust covering chocolate chips.

Bake at 375º for 10 to 12 minutes or until cheesecake is set. Cool 10 minutes. Remove tarts from pan to cooling rack.

In a small microwaveable bowl, place remaining chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave 30 seconds on HIGH and stir. Continue to microwave on HIGH at 30 second intervals until melted. Stir to smooth out. Drizzle over each cheesecake and immediately sprinkle chopped pecans over the top.

Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Cover and refrigerate any remaining tartlets.

Makes 24 mini cheesecakes.