Food Network: Pecan Squares

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Pecan Squares
Copyright, 1999, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, All Rights Reserved

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

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

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 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. Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is set but not browned. Allow to
cool.

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 and serve.