1 (6 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 c. butter, softened
2 c. flour

FILLING:

1 (14 oz.) pkg. caramels
1/2 c. evaporated milk

TOPPING:

1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. shortening
2/3 c. sugar
3/4 c. evaporated milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Ground nuts, optional

Dough: Mix together cream cheese, 1 cup butter and flour. Press into small tassie pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Makes 48.

Filling: Using double boiler, melt caramels with 1/2 cup evaporated milk. Spoon into cooled tassie shells 2/3 full.

Topping: In a small bowl, blend butter and shortening together. Let stand 20 minutes.

In separate bowl blend sugar, evaporated milk and vanilla together; let stand 20 minutes also.

Combine the 2 with an electric mixer, whip on high until creamy. Frost cooled cups. Sprinkle with ground nuts if desired.