Holiday Pecan Oat Bars

Festive cookie bars with an oat-laden crust and a pecan pie-like filling.

Recipe Ingredients:

Oat Cookie Crust:
1 1/2 cups quick or old fashioned oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Topping:
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup whipping cream or half-and-half
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups small pecan halves (about 12 ounces)

Cooking Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine all ingredients for crust, mixing well. Press oat mixture in a greased 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
3. Bake crust 16 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown (center of crust should feel firm when lightly touched). Cool on wire rack while making filling.
4. Increase oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
5. In heavy 3-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, heat butter with corn syrup until butter is melted. Add sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a full boil. Boil 2 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat; stir in cream and vanilla. Stir in pecans. Pour over baked crust; using two forks, spread evenly to edges.
6. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until filling is bubbly. Cool completely on wire rack.
7. Loosen bars from sides of pan with spatula. Invert onto cookie sheet; tap pan until bars release. Place cutting board on top of bars; turn right side up. Use large sharp knife to cut into squares. Store tightly covered at room temperature or freeze.

Makes 24 bars.