Pecan Bars

Directions

1. 1
   For the crust: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F and arrange a rack in middle.
2. 2
   Line an 8 by 8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving a few inches of overhang on each side.
3. 3
   Combine the pecans, butter, flour, sugar, and salt in bowl of a food processor and pulse until the mixture is well combined and it resembles coarse meal.
4. 4
   Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake until lightly golden, about 25 to 30 minutes.
5. 5
   Remove from the oven and immediately make the filling.
6. 6
   For the filling: Whisk together the sugar, molasses, corn syrup, butter, rum if using, vanilla, salt, and eggs in a small bowl until well combined.
7. 7
   Add the pecans and stir to coat.
8. 8
   Pour the pecan mixture over the hot crust and return the baking dish to the oven.
9. 9
   Bake until top is browned and set, about 25 to 30 minutes.
10. 10
    Remove from the oven and let cool completely before removing from dish and cutting into 1-inch squares.