Pecan Bars

1 lb pecan halves

219 g AP flour
75 g sugar
1/2 t salt
1/2 C butter, melted
160 g brown sugar
1/2 C light corn syrup or golden syrup
7 T butter, melted and still hot

1 t vanilla
1 t salt
1/2 t flaked sea salt, optional

Preheat oven to 350.

Arrange pecans on a baking tray in a single layer.

Stirring once, toast pecans 8-12 mins or until fragrant.

Adjust oven rack to lowest position.

Line 9x13 with foil and spray with cooking oil.

Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.

Add melted butter and stir until dough begins to form.

Mix with hands until dough sticks when squeezed.

Press dough into bottom of pan.

Whisk together brown sugar, syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.

Once homogenous, fold in toasted pecans.

Pour topping over crust, spread out evenly, and bake 23-25 mins.

Topping will be browned and very bubbly.

Transfer pan to wire rack and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.

Let cool at least 90 mins before cutting into 24 bars.

cooksillustrated, courtesy of Betty Reed