Famous Pecan Pie Squares

Every time I have made these pecan squares, I get asked for the recipe. They have been delivered to our friends on our Christmas cookie plates since Nacogdoches and I am now sharing it with you. The funny thing is the recipe is straight off a package of chocolate chips - no family secrets here! Enjoy :)

Pecan Pie Squares

• CRUST
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• FILLING
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup corn syrup (*if you, like us, are trying to avoid HFCS, look for cane sugar syrup, like Lyle's Golden Syrup. It works and tastes great in this recipe.)
  
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
• 1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
• 1 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped (looks prettier when you leave them whole, but harder to cut!

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan. (just use Pam)

For the crust:
Beat the flour, butter and brown sugar in small mixer bowl until crumbly. Press into prepared baking pan.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

For the filling:
Beat the eggs, corn or cane sugar syrup, granulated sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl with a wire whisk. Stir in the chocolate and nuts. Pour evenly over warm baked crust.

Bake until set, about 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in the pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.