Pecan Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 375F Line a 9-inch square baking dish with foil.
2. 2
   FOR THE CRUST: In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, and salt to combine.
3. 3
   Add butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal.
4. 4
   Add egg; pulse just until a dough forms.
5. 5
   Transfer dough to prepared pan; with floured fingers and an offset spatula, press firmly into bottom and 3/4 inch up sides.
6. 6
   Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes.
7. 7
   Prick bottom of dough; bake until lightly golden, 22-25 minutes.
8. 8
   Let cool while preparing filling.
9. 9
   MAKE THE FILLLING: In a large saucepan, bring butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup to a boil over high heat, whisking constantly, until smooth; continue boiling, without stirring, until slightly darkened, about 2 minutes.
10. 10
    Remove pan from heat.
11. 11
    Whisk in cream and salt; mix in pecans.
12. 12
    ASSEMBLE AND BAKE: Spoon hot filling evenly over crust, using spoon to arrange and press in nuts so they fit snugly (create as flat a surface as possible).
13. 13
    Bake until bubbling and amber-colored, 18-22 minutes.
14. 14
    Cool completely in pan.
15. 15
    Using foil, lift cake from pan; peel off foil.
16. 16
    With a sharp knife, trim edges (if desired).
17. 17
    Cut into 6 even strips; cut each strip crosswise into 4 even strips to make 24 bars,.