PECAN SQUARES WITH DIPPED CHOCOLATE GANACHE

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Pecan Squares With Dipped Chocolate Ganache image

This is from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, copyright 1999. These are easy and oh so very good, very rich but not diet friendly! A good choice for gift giving during the holidays and/or for your celebrations at home. Didn't include chilling times.

Provided by Manami

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 1h15m

Yield 1 platter of great bars, 24-30 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 1/4 lbs unsalted butter or 1 1/4 lbs unsalted margarine, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 extra-large eggs
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 lb unsalted butter or 1 lb unsalted margarine
1 cup good honey
3 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 lbs pecans, coarsely chopped
8 ounces good semi-sweet chocolate chips
8 ounces heavy cream
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
  • MAKING THE CRUST:.
  • Beat the butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, until light, approxiamtely, 3 minutes.
  • Add the eggs and the vanilla, and mix well.
  • Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients into the batter with the mixer on low speed until just combined.
  • Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 18x12x1" baking sheet, making an edge around the outside. It will be very sticky; sprinkle the dough and your hands lightly with flour.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is set but not browned. Allow to cool.
  • TOPPING:.
  • Combine the butter, honey, brown sugar and zests in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over low heat until the butter is melted, using a wooden spoon to stir.
  • Raise the heat and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. BE VERY CAREFUL - IT IS HOT CARAMEL!
  • Stir in the heavy cream and the pecans. Pour over the crust, trying not to get the filling between the crust and the pan.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is set.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold. Cut into small bars(as they are rich).
  • MAKE GANACHE:.
  • Cook the heavy cream, chocolate chips, and instant coffee(if using) in the top of a double boiler over simmering water until very smooth and warm, stirring occasionally.
  • Dip only one end of pecan bars in the ganache, & place on white muffin cup liners; smoosh(for lack of a better word - this word is mine, not Ina Garten's) to open and place the dipped pecan bar in it. This way it can drip into the liner! Serve with or without liners.

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