Dissolve sugar in hot water, allow to cool and add remaining ingredients. Strain egg mixture. Set aside.
Pastry:
Combine flour with sugar. Cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse meal. Combine eggs with vanilla and add to flour mixture. Mix well. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 30 seconds. Divide dough in 18 pieces and press into 2 1/2" tart pans. Press 1/4" thickness, fluting edge. Arrange tart shells 1" apart on baking sheet. Stir custard mixture, pour into each shell. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes. Serve hot or cool. Tart shells can be purchased in frozen food aisle beside pie shells.
