Pecan Squares

Press dough evenly into ungreased 18 x 12 x 1-inch baking sheet, making an edge around the outside.

Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees, or until crust is set, but not browned.  Allow to cool.

Melt butter, honey, brown sugar, and zests on low in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Raise heat and boil for 3 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and pecans.

Pour onto crust.  Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees, until the filling is set.  Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold.

Cut into bars and serve.

Pecan Squares
Ingredients
CRUST:
1 1/4 pounds unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 extra-large eggs
3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

TOPPING:
1 pound unsalted butter
1 cup good honey
3 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1 tsp grated orange zest
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 pounds 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.  Add the eggs and the vanilla and mix well.
3.  Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Mix the dry ingredients into the batter with the mixer on low speed until just combined.
4.  Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 18 x 12 x 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.
5.  For the topping, combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, and zests in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan (we used a Le Creuset Dutch Oven).  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 heat.  Stir in the heavy cream and pecans.
6.  Pour over the crust, trying no to get the filling between the crust and the pan.  Bake for 25 to 20 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.

Yield:  20 large squares
Ina Garten’s “The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook”