Cookies

Whether you want a cookie to give as a gitt, ship to family or friends, sell at the school bake sale,  take to the church pitch-in, share at the office, or just for a simple family dessert or treat, bar cookies are an excellent choice.  And this old-time recipe for Southern Pecan Bars would be a great option.  This recipe is quick, easy and tastes wonderful.  It is easily transported in the pan or it can be packages easily for giving.  This bars look wonderful when presented on a nice plate or platter.  Give them a try.  You’ll be glad you did.

This recipe won the Best of Class at the Pillsbury’s 5th Grand National Recipe and Baking Contest. I believe this contest was the forerunner of the current Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, then for 25 to 30 minutes. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen.

Sift together…….1 1/3 cups sifted Pillsbury’s Best Enriched Flour
                             1/2 teaspoon double-acting baking powder
Cream…………….1/3 cup butter. Gradually add 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar,
                             creaming well.
Add………………….the dry ingredients; mix with electric mixer or spoon until
                             particles are fine.
Stir in………………1/4 cup pecans, chopped fine; mix well. Pat firmly into the
                             bottom of well-greased 12×8x2 or 13×9x2-inch pan.
Bake………………..in moderate 350 degree oven for 10 minutes only.

Pecan Topping

Beat…………….2 eggs until foamy.
Add……………..3/4 cup dark corn syrup
                        1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
                        3 tbsp flour
                        1/2 tsp salt
                        1 tsp vanilla.  Mix thoroughly. Pour over the partially baked
                        crust.
Sprinkle with…….3/4 cup pecans, coarsely chopped. (If desired, fold the chopped
pecans into filling before pouring over crust and arrange 30
pecan halves evenly over the top; one for each bar.)
Bake…………….in moderate oven (350) 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in pan; cut
into bars. Store in a tightly covered container.

Enjoy this old-fashioned prize winning recipe!