Pecan Pie Bars

A goody from Betty Crocker

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Yields: 36 bars

Ingredients

• 2⁄3 cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1⁄2 cup margarine, softened
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1⁄2 cups Gold Medal all-purpose flour
• 2⁄3 cup  packed brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup  betty crocker corn syrup
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 3  eggs
• 1  cup  coarsely chopped pecans
•  semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted, if desired

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F Lightly grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with shortening or spray with cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, mix granulated sugar, butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in flour. Press dough in bottom and 1/2 inch up sides of pan. Bake 15 to 17 minutes or until edges are light brown.
3. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat brown sugar, corn syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla, the salt and eggs with spoon. Stir in pecans. Pour over crust.
4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until set. Loosen edges from sides of pan while warm. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For bars, cut into 9 rows by 4 rows. Dip 1 end of each bar into melted chocolate; lay flat on waxed paper to dry.