Margo's Maple Pecan Squares

Got this from the April 25th edition of the Ottawa Citizen.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 24

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups pecans
• 2  cups flour
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 3⁄4 cup butter, melted
• 1  cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1  cup maple syrup
• 4  eggs
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them 10 minutes, set aside.
3. Combine 1st measurement of flour and sugar, stir in melted butter.
4. Line a 9x13in baking pan with parchment paper, allowing about 2in to hang over each end.
5. Press mixture evenly into bottom of pan.
6. Bake 10 minutes.
7. Whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup and eggs.
8. Gently whisk in 2nd measurement of flour, salt and vanilla.
9. Fold in most of pecans, reserving a few for the top.
10. Pour mixture over shortcake base.
11. Sprinkle reserved pecans on top.
12. Bake 30 minutes.
13. Cool 2 hours before removing and cutting.