Bourbon Pecan Bars

Yield: Makes ten to twelve 3-inch bars | Prep Time: 25 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour

Last year when I cooked at the Kentucky Derby, I had my first slice of Derby Pie and tasted true trail bourbon. I wanted to bring a few of these memories back home to share with friends and family, and these bars embody my food experience: slightly salty and super sweet, with a shot of tough love.

INGREDIENTS

1 (13.5-ounce) package graham cracker crust box mix

¼ cup cornstarch

1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

1 cup water

½ cup bourbon

2 large egg yolks

1 teaspoon kosher salt

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare the graham cracker crust according to the box directions.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cornstarch, brown sugar, water, bourbon, and egg yolks.
3. Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until melted and thickened. Boil for 1 minute, continuing to stir constantly. Add the salt.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla, and pecans.
5. Pour the filling into the prepared graham cracker crust and refrigerate for 1 hour.
6. To serve, cut into thin 3-inch bars.