Holidays like Thanksgiving are typically filled with traditional desserts like apple, pumpkin, and pecan pie. When planning the dessert I wanted to bring to Thanksgiving dinner one year, I thought: "Why not turn my favorite pecan pie into cookies?". So, rather than putting the pecan pie filling into a pie crust, I made a "cookie bar crust" to make bar cookies. It's a great alternative to the traditional pecan pie, and it has the same delicious taste.

To Make The Crust:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees; Spray or butter baking pan
2. Sift and combine flour, sugar, salt in large bowl.
   
3. Add butter to dry ingredients and beat until mixture becomes crumbly.
4. Press crust mixture firmly onto bottom of baking pan.
5. Bake for approx. 15 minutes or until crust turns light golden brown.

To Make the Filling:

• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cups light corn syrup
• 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp. melted butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

1. Combine corn syrup, sugar, butter and vanilla extract; add and beat eggs into mixture one at a time. - Do not overmix. (Tip: Spray measuring cup with cooking spray before pouring in the corn syrup. It helps more easily "release" the corn syrup from the measuring cup.)
   
2. Gently fold in chopped pecans to the mixture.
3. Pour filling onto prepared crust; spread evenly.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 20 minutes.

Allow to cool at room temperature, then cut into small squares and serve on your favorite dessert platter! This recipe should make at least two dozen bar cookies. Have a sweet day.