Raspberry Pecan Squares Recipes

RASPBERRY PECAN BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Spray 9 by 13 baking pan with cooking spray.
• Roast the pecans by spreading on a jelly roll pan and roasting in the oven for 10 - 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes (after 10 minutes check every 2 minutes so they don't burn!).
• Cream together the butter, honey and sugar in a medium mixing bowl.
• Add the salt, baking powder, flour and pecans and mix well.
• Reserve one cup of dough for topping.
• Add lightly beaten egg to remaining dough and mix well.
• Spread this dough along bottom of prepared pan.
• In microwave, warm the preserves to make them easier to spread.
• Spread preserves over the dough in the pan.
• Crumble the reserved dough over the jam (the dough will be soft).
• Cook for 30 - 35 minutes until golden brown around edges.
• Let cool before cutting.

WHITE CHOCOLATE PECAN RASPBERRY BARS

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 350°F.
• In a bowl, combine the ground cookies and ½ cup of the pecans and melted butter. Using a spoon, mix well.
• Press the mixture into an 8" square pan sprayed lightly with vegetable spray, then press the cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
• Fill a pot with 1-2 cups of water and bring to a simmer. Place white chocolate chips in a double boiler or a microwave safe bowl (the water should not touch the bottom of the bowl). Stir the chocolate constantly while the chocolate melts and remove from stove once completely melted.
• Using a whisk beat in the cream cheese and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time and 2/3 cup granulated sugar, mixing well until very smooth.
• Pour mixture over the cookie crust, tap the pan gently to smooth out and bake for 25-30 minutes until firm. Cool for 15 minutes.
• Heat the preserves gently in a bowl over hot water just until melted. Spoon over the slightly cooled cheesecake. Cool completely and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
• In a saucepan, heat the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and add the remaining ½ cup of pecans. Stir over medium heat until pecans are lightly coated. Let cook a few minutes, cut into bars and sprinkle with the candied pecans and serve.