Florida Honey and Citrus Pecan Bars

Ingredients

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. To prepare crust, beat butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until light and fluffy (approximately 3 minutes). Mix in eggs, vanilla and orange zest. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Mix the dry ingredients into the batter on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. Sprinkle the dough and your hands lightly with flour. Press the dough (it will be very sticky) evenly into an ungreased 18 x 12 x 1-inch baking sheet, making an edge around the outside. Bake for 15 minutes until the crust is set but not browned and allow to cool.

For the topping, combine butter, honey, brown sugar and zest in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over low heat until butter is melted. Once the butter is melted, raise the heat and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully stir in heavy cream and pecans. Gently pour over crust. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the filling is set.