Pecan Squares

If you like the taste of pecan pie, you'll love this easy alternative. Serve the squares with vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2/3 cup butter
• 3 tablespoons whipping cream
• 3 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Sift together 2 cups flour and 2/3 cup powdered sugar. Cut in 3/4 cup softened butter using a pastry blender or fork just until mixture resembles coarse meal. Pat mixture on bottom and 1 1/2 inches up sides of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
2. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool.
3. Bring brown sugar, honey, 2/3 cup butter, and whipping cream to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in pecans, and pour hot filling into prepared crust.
4. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Cool completely before cutting into 2-inch squares.
5. Judy Russell, Birmingham, Alabama

Judy Russell, Birmingham, Alabama, Southern Living
NOVEMBER 2004