Pecan Bars (from Southern Living)

1 3/4 C A.P. flour
1/3 C firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 C butter or margarine
1 C firmly packed brown sugar
4 eggs
1 C dark corn syrup
1/4 C butter or margarine, melted
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/4 C chopped pecans

Combine flour and 1/3 C brown sugar. Cut in 3/4 C butter with pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Press evenly into greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake 350 for 15 to 17 minutes.
Combine 1 C brown sugar and remaining ingredients except pecans, beating well. Stir in pecans. Pour filling over prepared crust. Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes or until firm. Let cool and cut into bars.

Thanks. I've been trying to think of something different to make for my bridge group. Haven't made these in a long time. Sometimes we forget about recipes. Think I'll make these for bridge along with lemon bars for those with nut allergies.

Thanks! I will definitely make these for Saturday, they sound great.

Alexa

Alexa, your menu sounds great. How many years have you been hosting your Derby party? Those pecan bars should be perfect.

We'll be attending a cocktail party to benefit a political candidate's reelection campaign. The invitation reads "Dress: business casual but women are encouraged to wear their Derby hats". LOL

Alexa,

What about the Kentucky Hot Brown? Remember my sandwich list??? It says this is pretty popular on Derby Day.

/tricia

I finally had a thought! Wasn't there a recipe for pecan pie cupcakes? Those could be small bites.

Here is a link that might be useful: found it!

Oh, I have two really good recipes. I am at work, but I'll see if I can find them.

Linda

Ah...the magic of the internet. Found them both. I have photos of both of these at home, too if you're interested.

This first one is from Land O Lakes and is super easy. Really good, too!

Southern Belle Bars

Crust Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup LAND O LAKES Butter, softened

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Filling Ingredients:

3/4 cup dark corn syrup
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine 1 1/4 cups flour, butter and sugar in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/4 cup pecans.

Press crust mixture evenly onto bottom of ungreased 8 or 9-inch square baking pan. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until very light golden brown on edges.

Meanwhile, combine all filling ingredients except pecans in small bowl; mix well. Stir in pecans. Spread evenly over hot, partially baked crust. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until filling appears set and knife inserted 1-inch from edge comes out clean. Cool completely; cut into bars.
Ingredient Substitution Index

Nutrition Facts (1 bar): Calories: 150, Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 100mg, Carbohydrates: 19g, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Protein: 2g

2506 © 1995 Land O'Lakes, Inc.

This one is a little on the putzy side to make but well worth the effort, and it makes a TON!

Pecan Squares-Ina garten
Ingredients
Crust:
 1 1/4 pounds unsalted butter, room temperature
 3/4 cup granulated sugar
 3 extra-large eggs
 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
 1 pound unsalted butter
 1 cup good honey
 3 cups light brown sugar, packed
 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
 1/4 cup heavy cream
 2 pounds pecans, coarsely chopped

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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. 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.

For the 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.

Linda

As usual a fabulous menu Alexa.Wish I was there!

I think I recall you were intrigued with Canadian Butter Tarts a while back. Runs in my mind you thought it sounded like pecan pie.

Just sub pecans for walnuts in this recipe. Very easy especially if you use frozen tart shells.

Butter Tarts

1 c (250 mL) raisins
2 eggs
1/3 cup (75 mL) corn syrup
1 cup (250 mL) packed brown sugar
3 tbsp (45 mL) melted butter
1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped walnuts
18 Sweet Tart Pastry

In a small bowl, cover raisins with boiling water. Let soak for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, butter and nuts. Stir in raisins. Pour evenly into prepared tart shells.

Bake in preheated 450F (220C) oven 5 minutes. Reduce heat to 350F(180C) and open door slightly for 15 to 20 seconds to bring temperature down rapidly. Bake for 15 minutes or until bubbling and deep golden brown. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before removing from the pan.

Kentucky Hot Brown is the first thing that came to my mind too.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

I am still leaning towards the Pecan Bars from Southern Living that Georgysmom posted, I think Pecan Pie has to have dark Karo. I know the Butter Tarts do too, but I think I really want something that can be cut into bars and I'm not sure I want to mess with pastry dough for this one. That said, I will absolutely keep every recipe to try with the family once we get through the weekend.

Hot Browns may be traditional, but I started this party 20 years ago with a few friends and a pot of Jambalaya, so it is our tradition. Everything else is optional and subject to a whim, but the Jambalaya is as constant as Mint Juleps!

Thanks again and I will try to get a few pics. Usually by the time I have everything out and served I am ready to relax and forget all about the photo ops!

Alexa

Will you met me at the airport? I'll have a wheel of Maytag Blue under my arm....

Absolutely! Fly in tomorrow and I'll even treat you to Happy Hour at the Makers Mark Ambassador party!

Alexa

Have a good party.

Playing "Run For The Roses" by Dan Fogelberg in the background can add a nice touch.

dcarch