Maple Pecan Squares

Truly one of the most decadent squares I have every eaten. This was my Christmas indulgence. I always tear through the seasonal Food & Drink Magazine to find the inspiration fro my Christnas baking, and i found this gem. Warning: Very rich. Eat in small squares with something mild to sip on, like tea, or steamed milk.

Maple Pecan Squares

Shortbread Base:
1 cup flour
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1/2t fine salt
1/4t baking powder
1/4t ground cinnamon
1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

Pecan Layer:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup pure maple syrop
2t pure vanilla extract
1/4t fine salt
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups coarsely chopped pecans

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Grease 9'' square pan. (Consider also lining pan with wax paper.)
3. For base, combine all base ingredients in a food processor until crumbly, or do it by hand with a whisk. Press mixture into pan and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool.
4. Combine all pecan layer ingredients. Pour on top of cooled base and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until bubbling around the edges.
NOTE: It will appear very loose when removed from the oven, but it's supposed to. Just let it cool, or put in in the fridge until cool and it will solidify nicely.

These should be kept cold. They can actually be eaten right out of the freezer.