Gooey Pecan Pie Bars

This recipe comes from my good friend Theresa Hyde. She first introduced it at our annual Peru Party. It was SUCH a hit. It is delicious.

20 to 32 bars Bake: 45 minutes
Prep: 25 minutes

Ingredients

 2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

          1/8 teaspoon salt

          3/4 cup butter or margarine

         1 cup packed brown sugar

          1 cup light-colored corn syrup

         1/2 cup butter or margarine

         4 eggs, lightly beaten

         2-1/2 cups finely chopped pecans

        1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in 3/4 cup butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into a greased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned; set aside.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, and 1/2 cup butter. Bring to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

3. Place the eggs in a medium bowl. Gradually stir about 1/2 cup of the hot mixture into eggs. Return all mixture to saucepan. Stir in pecans and vanilla. Pour nut mixture over baked crust.

4. Bake the bar cookies for 30 to 32 minutes more or until the filling is set. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars to serve. Makes 20 to 32 bars.