Pecan-Date Bars

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

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. 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.
3. Reduce oven temperature to 350°.
4. 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.