Pecan-Date Bars

Pecan-Date Bars
You can prepare and refrigerate these luscious bars a day or two in advance. They are actually easier to cut once they have been completely chilled.


YIELD: 24 servings (serving size: 1 bar)
COURSE: Desserts, Cookies
Ingredients

Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour (about 4 1/2 ounces)
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chilled butter, cut into small pieces
Cooking spray
Filling:
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup egg substitute
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate minichips
Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°.

To prepare crust, lightly spoon 1 cup flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine 1 cup flour, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring well with a whisk. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Press mixture into the bottom of an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely.

Reduce oven temperature to 350°.

To prepare filling, combine corn syrup and next 7 ingredients (through egg) in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Stir in dates, pecans, and chocolate chips. Pour mixture over prepared crust. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until set. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cover and chill 1 hour or until firm.

Nutritional Information
Amount per serving
Calories: 123
Calories from fat: 26%
Fat: 3.6g
Saturated fat: 1.3g
Monounsaturated fat: 1.6g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.5g
Protein: 1.4g
Carbohydrate: 22g
Fiber: 0.7g
Cholesterol: 14mg
Iron: 0.6mg
Sodium: 89mg
Calcium: 13mg