Pecan Bars

Here is a great way to feed your hankering for some pecan pie without all of the work.  These little goodies are fantastic for a couple of reasons.  First, because they are ridiculously simple and quick to make.  I think that I spend more time setting up for them rather than what little time I actually spend on making them.  Oh, and let's not be hasty and forget about the fact that there is little to no clean-up for them once they are done baking.  Just merely fold up the foil and toss it into the trash.  Second, because they make more than enough for everyone.  And if you do not need a large amount, you can easily cut this recipe in half without having to whip out your calculator.  Last but not least, third because they are a delicious crowd pleaser everywhere that I have ever taken them too.  And to be honest, I have been making these for going on maybe twelve years now.  That is a lot of Christmas parties filled with satisfied sticky fingered samplers.

2 packages of graham crackers (broke down into individual rectangles)
2 cups of real un-salted butter
2 cups of light brown sugar (packed)
2 cups of pecans (chopped-or smashed inside of a ziploc bag using your sons toy wooden hammer like I do)

-Preheat your oven to 350*.  Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil.  Line them with the graham crackers, one smack up next to the other (if you only fill a portion of the second baking sheet up with the remaining graham crackers-that's ok- just fold up the foil to create a make-shift wall to 'shorten' the pan like I do); set aside.  In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter.  Stir in the brown sugar, slightly increase the heat to about high and bring it to a good strong boil, while constantly stirring it.  Boil for 2-3 minutes or just until it begins to caramelize and look all bubbly and frothy.  Then stir in the pecans.  Using a soup ladle, spoon this mixture over your graham cracker lined foil-covered baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes.  Remove them from the oven and leave to stand and cool completely before cutting them to separate the individual rectangles.  Serves many.  Enjoy!