Yo-Ho-Ho! Run Pecan Cookie Bars with Sea Salt

Yo-Ho-Ho! Run Pecan Cookie Bars with Sea Salt:  Ryan & MJ

No pirate grub be complete without a sweet treat.  Our mates Ryan & MJ brought a dessert wit' our fav'rit ingredients - rum, pecans, 'n o' course sea salt.

Aft grub we left th' galley 'n went t' brave th' storm.  These carousers love a good storm!

Recipe:

http://bakingthegoods.com/2013/09/26/rum-pecan-cookie-bars/

BROWN SUGAR SHORTBREAD CRUST

1. all purpose flour - 2.5 cups
2. brown sugar, lightly packed - 1 cup
3. unsalted butter at room temperature - 1 cup (2 sticks), plus more for greasing pan
4. salt - 1/2 teaspoon

PECAN RUM FILLING

1. halved pecans - 2 cups
2. maple syrup - 1/2 cup
3. brown sugar - 1/2 cup
4. unsalted butter at room temperature - 1 tablespoon
5. eggs at room temperature - 2
6. pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
7. spiced rum - 2 tablespoons
8. coarse sea salt - 1 tablespoon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Lightly toast the pecans for 7-8 minutes.
3. Grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with room temperature butter and a pastry brush.
4. Beat 1 cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar with electric mixer on low speed until creamy and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Whisk salt and flour together.
5. Stir the dry ingredients into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix just until the dough starts to come together, do not over mix.
6. Lightly press the crumbly dough evenly in pan.
7. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are golden brown and center springs back when touched lightly.
8. Meanwhile, place the remaining brown sugar and maple syrup in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
9. Remove from the heat and add the butter, rum and vanilla.
10. Allow the mixture to cool, then add the eggs and whisk until smooth. (Do not add the eggs while the syrup is hot or they will begin to cook)
11. Add the pecans to the mixture and evenly pour the mixture over the baked cookie base. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the filling has set.
12. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
13. Sprinkle with a coarse sea salt.
14. Cut evenly into 32 bars, 8 rows by 4 rows.
15. Wrap in gold foil, and place inside a treasure chest if you are after that full pirate booty experience. Finally, enjoy with a refreshing rum and coke.