Recipe: Rochester Deli Pecan Squares (with caramel pecan filling and cookie crust)

ROCHESTER DELI PECAN SQUARES

"These bars are loaded with pecans and has a caramel baked layer on top of a cookie crust for a classic Southern Treat!"

FOR THE COOKIE CRUST:
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

FOR THE CARAMEL PECAN FILLING:
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup pure maple syrup (or use 2% maple syrup)
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup heavy (whipping) cream
5 cups pecan pieces

TO MAKE THE COOKIE CRUST:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 13x9-inch baking pan with vegetable oil spray.

In bowl, combine the ingredients for the cookie crust. Press onto bottom of baking pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes.

TO PREPARE THE CARAMEL PECAN FILLING:
In a heavy bottomed pan, melt butter with maple syrup and brown sugar. Bring to a boil and boil 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add cream and pecans. Pour filling evenly onto cookie crust.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting into bars. Store uneaten bars in a tightly sealed container.

Makes 15 servings
From: Dan Strackbein - The Rochester Deli Inc., Catering and Cakes, Milwaukee
Source: the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, February 17, 2010