pecan please??

wow, it sure has been awhile. sorry for the slacking on the posts.
i had made these pecan squares for this huge party we had for my parents anniversary. personally, i enjoyed them, however i would of used a different crust if i were to make these again. if you like pecan pie, you will really like these!

here's the crust recipe i followed:

1 1/4 pounds butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
3 x-large eggs
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
4 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

and the filling:

1 pound butter
1 cup good honey
3 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 pounds coarsely chopped pecans

** now i admit the honey and the zests really threw me off when looking at this recipe. traditionally pecan pie/squares are made with karo syrup. you really couldn't tell too much of a difference, it was sweet and delicious, and the zests made it super flavorful.


pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

beat your butter and sugar in your electric mixer with the paddle attachment, until light,for about three minutes.
add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.
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.
the dough is very sticky,so i floured my hands and the dough while pressing it into the sheet.
bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is set but not browned.

for the filling, combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, and zests in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
cook on 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 and stir in the heavy cream and pecans.

pour the filling over the crust,and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set.

allow to cool and then refrigerate until cold.