Pecan Bars
By: Soffia Wardy
Published: Monday, November 26, 2012 - 6:38pm

Ingredients




Crust
1 1/4 pounds unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 extra-large eggs
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
1 pound unsalted butter
1 cup good honey
3 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 pounds pecans, coarsely chopped
Chocolate Dip
1 12 oz bag of Ghiradelli semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 -4 T of heavy cream

Preparation

1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 2 For The Crust: Beat the butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, until light, approximately 3 minutes. Add the eggs and the vanilla and mix well. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients into the batter with the mixer on low speed until just combined. Press the dough evenly into an un-greased 18 by 12 by 1-inch baking sheet, making an edge around the outside. It will be very sticky; sprinkle the dough and your hands lightly with flour. Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is set but not browned. Allow to cool. 3 For The Topping: Combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, and zests in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over low heat until the butter is melted, using a wooden spoon to stir. Raise the heat and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and pecans. Pour over the crust, trying not to get the filling between the crust and the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold. Cut into bars. 4 For The Chocolate Dip: Using a glass bowl heat chocolate chips in the microwave in 10-20 second increments taking care not to burn. If necessary mix in the heavy cream to thin out. Dip just the end of each bar in the chocolate and lay on parchment lined cookie sheet. When all bars have been dipped return to the fridge allowing the chocolate to set. Attributed To | Ina Garten ENJOY!

About

There are just some splurges in life that you can’t refuse, these delicious pecan bars absolutely fall into that category. Crunchy, sweet, gooey, chocolaty all in a small bite that fits in the palm of your hand for the briefest moment as it gets swiftly carried to your mouth. Perfect for a large group and a great option when a pecan pie is just not enough!