I got the urge to bake something sweet today.  I checked the cupboards, surveyed the ingredients and decided on Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars, from the Betty Crocker website.  The results were wonderful and I will likely make these again.  Bar cookies are a quick and easy alternative to a drop or rolled cookie.  I changed up the original recipe and used my food processor for mixing both the crust and filling, as I always try to reduce the number of bowls, cups, spoons et al needed for a recipe.  I also toasted the pecans, before adding them.  This is a good practice when using nuts in a recipe, as it deepens the flavor.

For the shortbread cookie crust

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

10 tablespoons very cold butter, cut in squares

2 – 3 tablespoons of ice water

Add all ingredients, except the ice water, to the bowl of a food processor.  Pulse to mix, as if making pie crust.  Add the ice water a little at a time, until a crumbly dough is formed.  Press the dough into a buttered and floured 13×9 baking pan.  Bake for 10-12 minutes, in a 375′ oven until firm and lightly brown.

For the filling

3 eggs

3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

2/3 cup light corn syrup (HINT – spray your measuring cup with canola oil spray first, and the syrup will slide right out)

2 tablespoons butter, melted (Melt the butter in the microwave in the same cup as you used for the syrup)

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups pecan halves, toasted in a 325′ oven for about 10 minutes, and cooled

3/4 cup good quality, dark chocolate chips

Place all ingredients, except nuts and chocolate chips, in the bowl of your food processor.  Mix well.  Add the pecans and give it a quick pulse.  Add the chocolate chips and pulse one more time.

Spread the mixture evenly over the par-baked crust.

Bake 20-30 minutes until mixture is set and color is golden brown.  I have to admit, I overcooked mine a bit, and will keep a very close eye on these the next time I make them.  If they are getting too brown and not yet set, cover with foil and finish baking.

Cool for at least an hour before serving.  Cut into bars.  Enjoy!