Ina Gartens Pecan Bars Food

PECAN SHORTBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the butter and sugar until they are just combined. Add the vanilla and almond extracts. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the butter/sugar mixture. Add the pecans and mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Dump onto a surface dusted with flour and shape into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
• Roll the dough 1/2-inch thick and cut into 2 1/2-inch squares with a plain or fluted cutter (or cut into any shape you like). Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. Allow to cool to room temperature and serve.

INA GARTEN'S PECAN BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Crust:.
• Cream butter and sugar in large mixing bowl, 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.
• 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.

MAPLE PECAN PIE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Line a 9-inch pie pan with the pie crust. Place it on a sheet pan.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, butter, eggs, bourbon, vanilla, orange zest and salt. Stir in the pecans and pour into the unbaked pie shell. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until the center is just set. Set aside to cool, and serve.

PECAN BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Line a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with foil allowing an overhang about 2 inches off the sides. Butter the foil.
• In a food processor, blend together flour, sugar, butter and salt until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Add 2 tablespoons cold water and mix until the dough just holds together. Press dough into bottom of buttered baking dish and bake in oven until golden in color, about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the filling. In a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, add the butter, brown sugar and a pinch of salt and mix on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the corn syrup, flour and pecans and mix until just combined. Spread the filling over the baked crust and bake until golden brown, about 30 to 35 minutes. Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
• Remove from pan by pulling up the foil sides and putting it on a cutting board. Cut bars in desired size with a sharp knife and arrange them on a serving tray. Can be stored in an airtight container up to 2 days.