Ina's Pecan Squares

By Gigirox

Ingredients

• Crust:
• 1 1/4 pounds unsalted butter, softened
• 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
• Filling:
• 1 pound unsalted butter
• 1 cup honey
• 3 cups light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 pounds pecans, chopped
• My Notes - The flavor from the orange zest is very, very pronounced in this recipe - although yummy, next time I think I'll go for a more traditional pecan pie-like flavor by omitting the citrus zest
• note from roxx:haven't tried these yet, I will not use the zest, but use vanilla instead.

Details

Servings 54

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F. Make the crust by combining the softened butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment or BeaterBlade - mix for 3 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well. Sift the dry ingredients together and add to the butter/sugar mixture on low speed just until all the ingredients are completely incorporated. Using well floured hands, press dough into ungreased pan - line 1-inch tall pan with foil or better yet, use a 2-inch tall pan. Bake crust for 15 minutes. Cool. Make the filling.

To make the filling - combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, lemon zest, and orange zest in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat, stirring constantly until mixture boils; continue to boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and chopped pecans. Pour mixture over the crust and bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool until set, wrap and refrigerate. Cut into 2x2-inch squares for 54 portions.