Chocolate-Praline Squares

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Celebrate the Season 2001

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar
3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
3/4 cup light-colored corn syrup
1/2 cup dark-colored corn syrup
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
4 eggs
2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate pieces
1 recipe Orange Cream (below)
Shredded orange peel (optional)

Lightly grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan; set aside.

For crust, stir together flour and powdered sugar. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the 3/4 cup butter until pieces are the size of small peas. Stir in the 1 1/2 cups pecans. Press evenly into prepared pan. Bake in a 325 degree F oven about 25 minutes or until light brown.

For the filling, in a medium saucepan combine corn syrups, brown sugar and the 1/4 cup butter. Cook over medium heat just until mixture begins to bubble around edges and butter is melted, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool for 10 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl beat eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Gradually add syrup mixture, beating until smooth. Stir in the 2 cups pecans, the 1 teaspoon orange peel and the vanilla extract.

Pour the filling over crust. Sprinkle with chocolate pieces. Bake in a 350 degrees F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until center is set. Cool in pan on a wire rack; chill about 1 hour or until firm enough to cut. Serve with Orange Cream and, if desired, shredded orange peel. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 48 squares.

Orange Cream:
In a chilled medium mixing bowl combine 1 cup whipping cream, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons dairy sour cream. Beat with the chilled beaters of an electric mixer on low to medium speed until the mixture starts to thicken. Add 1 tablespoon orange liqueur or 1/2 teaspoon orange extract, 1/2 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat on low speed just until soft peaks form.