Maple Pecan Bars

An Ode to Pecans by Me:

Pecans are amazing

I love them in baking

They're perfect for grazing

My heart they are shaking

I am not an English major, don't worry. The poem does not make complete sense but neither does love so take that. Sorry, pecans change me. The story of how these bars came into being: Mornings are not my thing. I'm known for being silent and ready to kill during the first two hours post wake-up. During this anger period one morning, I calmed myself by baking these babies. Baking makes me happy.. unless it goes wrong then all beware my wrath.

Since pecans are one my favourite things, it was the natural choice to brighten my day. I was completely surprised when my little cousin loved these. For some reason it is my belief that all children hate nuts. I did, my baby broha still does and even my big brother too. Limited references granted but it still surprises me. Anyways, if you love pecans these are for you. There are pecans in the crust and halves and whole pecans on top. That's right.

Maple Pecan Bars
Adapted from an old Pillsbury recipe

crust
1 1/3 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
1/3 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
topping
2 eggs
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
3 tbsp flour
1 1/2 tsp maple (or vanilla, depending on your preference) extract
1 tsp kosher salt
1 cup pecans, halved and whole

crust Preheat the oven to 350º. Butter a 9 x 13 inch pan. Sift together the flour and baking powder. In a separate bowl beat together the butter and brown sugar. Add the flour mix and combine until it is like fine sand. Use your hands to get it all together. Toss in the pecans. Press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes.

topping While the crust bakes, whisk the eggs until foamy. Add the maple syrup, brown sugar, flour, vanilla and salt until combined. Stir in the pecans. Pour over the hot crust. Bake for 25 minutes, it will set once it is completely cooled. Makes 24 bars.