Giving Thanks for What Is

 

 Many people may be wondering what there is to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. It will be one like no other in recent history. Normally the airports, buses and highways would be crowded with people gathering with their loved ones. Kitchens would be busy with pie baking and turkey roasting. Supermarkets would be filled with shoppers, and the usual Black Friday crowds would overflow the stores the next day. No doubt some people will gather, with or without masks, and some will shop the same way, but far fewer. Those that do, run the risk of becoming ill from a virus that seems to have a vicious aftermath as well as a difficult passage through our systems.

 

Being in the high-risk sector, Stephen and I will celebrate with our own dear daughter and husband who we are fortunate in seeing regularly without fear. Like us they practice safety precautions, are healthy and do not mingle with anyone for work or activities. I am thankful for their risk free behavior. I know my daughter misses her visits to the gym and other activities outside the home, as do many. Perhaps the onslaught of Covid19 is a reminder of how much we have taken for granted in the past, and how much we really do have to be grateful for.

 

I have much to be grateful for beginning with the recent birthday congratulations and gifts from dear friends and family. My list is long and filled with as much that I am grateful did not happen as that which did. I am also grateful to whoever invented Zoom so that I can smile from a distance at my loved ones, and for the telephone that allows me to speak to them even without seeing their dear faces. Most of all I am grateful for my dear companion, Stephen, who is ever supportive of my efforts to learn and grow as he does the same. I am always grateful for the love of my dear children and their partners and children. For many years I have worked to be grateful for what comes my way or does not.

 

Moreover, I am always grateful not to have to make pie crust. Therefore, with gratitude to my readers, I am sharing my recipe for pecan pie bars. They are easy, tasty, and best of all, a great substitute for an actual pecan pie. Happy Day of Thanksgiving to all.

 

 

 

Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Bars

 

Preheat oven to 350, grease an 8X8 baking pan. Makes 12 to 16 Bars

 

Ingredients:

1st Layer

 

½ cup soft butter

 

½ cup brown sugar

 

1 cup flour

 

 

 

2nd Layer

 

2 eggs

 

1 cup brown sugar

 

1 tsp vanilla

 

¼ tsp baking powder

 

¼ tsp salt

 

1 cup whole or chopped pecans

 

1 Tbs flour

 

 Method: Cream butter and sugar well. Add flour and mix well for first layer. Pat into greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees 10 to 12 minutes or until golden. (325 for glass pan) Remove. Raise oven temperature to 375 (350 for glass pan).  While first layer is baking, beat eggs. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Take pan out of oven and pour mixture over crust. Spread evenly and bake for 20 minutes more or until brown and firm. Cool and cut into bars.