Ina Garten's Pecan Squares
Try this Ina Garten's Pecan Squares recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Ina Garten's Pecan Squares recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 pound unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 pounds unsalted butter room temperature
- 3 extra-large eggs
- 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup good honey
- 3 cups light brown sugar packed
- 2 pounds pecans coarsely chopped
- Carbohydrate 54.3149734559046 g
- Cholesterol 150.727946162848 mg
- Fat 44.3427569813829 g
- Fiber 0.780795848453402 g
- Protein 4.5475119989562 g
- Saturated Fat 27.614513282899 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (177g)
- Sodium 391.87624770486 mg
- Sugar 53.5341776074512 g
- Trans Fat 3.30683334078294 g
- Calories 624 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- For the crust, beat the butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, until light, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and the vanilla and mix well.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the batter with the mixer on low speed until just combined.
- Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 18 by 12 by 1-inch baking sheet, making an edge around the outside. It will be very sticky; sprinkle the dough and your hands lightly with flour.
- Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is set but not browned.
- Allow to cool.
- For the topping, combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, and zests in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Cook over low heat until the butter is melted, using a wooden spoon to stir.
- Raise the heat and boil for 3 minutes.
- Remove from the heat.
- Stir in the heavy cream and pecans.
- Pour over the crust, trying not to get the filling between the crust and the pan.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Ina Garten's Pecan Squares: A Baker's Delight
As a busy professional, time is my most precious commodity. Weekends are sacred, dedicated to relaxation and recharging. But even I crave those moments of delicious indulgence, those sweet treats that can transport me from the pressures of the office to a world of pure culinary bliss. That's where Ina Garten's Pecan Squares come in. This recipe isn't just about the incredible taste; it's about efficiency and the satisfying simplicity of creating something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich, buttery crust crumbles perfectly, the sweet and nutty pecan topping providing the ideal textural contrast. This recipe is my go-to for impressing guests or simply treating myself after a long week.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its relative simplicity. While it might seem intimidating at first glance, with a little planning and the right tools (my stand mixer is my best friend), the process flows smoothly. The most time-consuming step is likely letting the squares chill in the fridge after baking. But honestly, even that time is a welcome opportunity for a break, to savor the anticipation of that first bite. The scent of warm pecans and buttery goodness that wafts through my apartment during the baking process is an unexpected reward. It makes the wait entirely worthwhile. This recipe easily translates to batch cooking. I've even made double batches for potlucks and office gatherings, always met with rave reviews. It's a recipe that offers both elegance and convenience – a perfect combination for the modern woman on the go.
I often adapt this recipe to suit my mood or the occasion. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of sea salt to the pecan topping for a sophisticated touch. Other times, I experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or macadamia nuts, to create unique variations. But the core elements – that irresistible buttery crust and the luscious pecan topping – always remain. It’s a recipe that has become a staple in my recipe collection, a testament to its versatility and timeless appeal. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a small, sweet victory in the midst of a busy life, a reminder that even amidst the chaos, moments of deliciousness can be found, and easily created, with just a little bit of effort.
The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, making it exceptionally convenient. I’ve even been known to bake a batch of these on a Friday evening as a way to prepare for the busy week ahead. There's something profoundly comforting about knowing I have a delicious, homemade treat waiting for me in the refrigerator. It’s a simple pleasure, a tiny indulgence that brightens my day, even before I take that first bite.
Making Ina Garten’s Pecan Squares is more than just baking; it's a ritual. It’s a moment to disconnect from the digital world, focus on the task at hand, and create something beautiful, delicious, and entirely my own. The process, from measuring the ingredients to the satisfying thud of the spatula against the mixing bowl, is therapeutic. It’s a way to de-stress, to unwind, and to reconnect with myself. And the result? Well, that’s just the icing on the cake – or in this case, the pecans on the crust.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, I highly recommend trying this recipe. It's a perfect blend of deliciousness, ease, and satisfaction – a recipe that even the busiest woman can master, turning a simple afternoon into a moment of pure culinary joy.
