Pecan Squares Ala the Barefoot Contessa - Ina Garten

This is a pie recipe but she made it in bars. Dipping one end it chocolate makes a beautiful presentation. The recipes make a lot so servings is a guesstimate and depends on on the size you cut the bars into.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 32

Ingredients

• Crust

• 1 1⁄4 lbs 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  lb 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  lbs pecans, coarsely chopped

Directions

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.
3. Add the eggs and the vanilla and mix well. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Mix the dry ingredients into the batter with the mixer on low speed until just combined.
5. Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 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.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is set but not browned.
7. Allow to cool.
8. For the topping, combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, and zests in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
9. Cook over low heat until the butter is melted, using a wooden spoon to stir.
10. Raise the heat and boil for 3 minutes.
11. Remove from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and pecans.
12. Pour over the crust, trying not to get the filling between the crust and the pan.
13. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set.
14. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
15. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold.
16. Cut into bars.
17. Dip one end in chocolate, if desired.
18. Flatten cupcake papers and top each with a bar.