Hip to Be Square: Pecan-Macadamia Squares

And this is precisely why I don't bake. When I have friends that not only do it well and actually enjoy it, but also bring me samples? Duh - do the math. This is my friend Carolyn's latest dessert creation, inspired by an Ina Garten recipe. Carolyn ad libbed only a bit - she used a combo of pecan and macadamia nuts simply because that was what she had in the pantry (the original recipe calls for only pecans). The result? I think you can see for yourself!

Pecan-Macadamia Squares
Contributed by Carolyn Hindes, recipe by Ina Garten

Crust nocoupons

• 1 1/4 pounds unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 extra-large eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping: nocoupons

• 1 pound unsalted butter
• 1 cup good honey
• 3 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 pound pecans, coarsely chopped
• 1 pound macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

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.