Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming (Spiced Rum Pecan Bars with Candied Ginger)

Skill Level: Intermediate Special Utensils: None

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Filling:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup dark rum
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ¼ cup finely chopped candied ginger

Instructions:

1. Make the Crust:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
   • Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Press the dough into a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. Make the Filling:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, egg, rum, and vanilla extract until well combined.
   • Stir in the pecans and candied ginger.
   • Pour the filling over the crust.

3. Bake:

   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
   • Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tips:

• For a more intense rum flavor, increase the amount of rum in the filling.
• You can also add other flavors to the filling, such as chocolate chips or dried fruit.

Enjoy your festive Spiced Rum Pecan Bars!