Gooey Pecan Pie Bars

Source: Midwest Living

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup butter or margarine
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in 3/4 cup butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Bake in a 350 degrees F for 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned; set aside.

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, and 1/2 cup butter. Bring to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Place the eggs in a medium bowl. Gradually stir about 1/2 cup of the hot mixture into eggs. Return all mixture to saucepan. Stir in pecans and vanilla extract. Pour nut mixture over baked crust.

Bake for 30 to 32 minutes more or until the filling is set. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars to serve.