Maple Pecan Bars

Baking these bars fills me with warm memories of my Grandma Marie, who made a similar recipe. The pecan treats are popular at our office cookie exchange.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1-1/2 cups cold butter
•  TOPPING:
• 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups coarsely chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine flour and confectioners' sugar. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Press into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
• Meanwhile, in a large heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, syrup, cinnamon and salt. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir over low heat until butter is melted. Stir in the pecans, cream and vanilla. Remove from the heat; spread over crust.
• Bake 20-25 minutes longer or until bubbly. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 5 dozen.