-
1
Optional- substitute 2 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice in lieu of the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
-
2
Optional- substitute 3 cups (435 gms) of bleached all-purpose flour for the unbleached& cake flours.
-
3
Line a 9x13 aluminum baking pan with heavy duty foil.
-
4
Leave 2-3 inches of foil sticking out of the pan on the short sides to aid in lifting the finished product out of the pan.
-
5
FOR THE PASTRY: In a small bowl or plastic bag measure and mix flours and salt.
-
6
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (can be done with a hand mixer), mix the butter, vanilla extract and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
-
7
Add flours 1 cup at a time, on medium speed, mixing until fully incorporated after each addition.
-
8
Continue mixing until the dough begins to come together in large clumps.
-
9
Press dough into prepared pan about 1/4-inch thick.
-
10
Prick the pastry with the tines of a fork or a wooden skewer.
-
11
Chill until firm, about 20 minutes.
-
12
While the pastry is resting, Place rack in center of oven.
-
13
Preheat to 375 degrees F.
-
14
Spread nuts on a cookie sheet and roast for 5-10 minutes, unitl hot and aromatic (do not burn them!) Allow to cool Bake pastry until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.
-
15
HAVE FILLING READY WHEN CRUST COMES OUT OF OVEN.
-
16
Lower oven temp to 350 degrees.
-
17
FOR THE FILLING: Mix spices, salt and sugar in a small bowl, whisk to combine.
-
18
Whisk pumpkin, eggs, yolks, extract, evaporated milk in a large bowl until smooth.
-
19
Slowly add sugar/spice mix and beat until well combined.
-
20
Pour over HOT crust.
-
21
Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until just set and still jiggles in the center.
-
22
HAVE TOPPING READY WHEN BARS COME OUT OF OVEN.
-
23
FOR THE TOPPING: Combine topping ingredients, when filling has set remove bars from oven and evenly sprinkle topping over filling.
-
24
Bake for 20-30 minutes, you just want the topping to be browned and about 1/2 melted The filling may start to crack and get a bit puffy.
-
25
Cool on a wire rack for several hours, refrigerate overnight, remove from pan, cut into 24 squares, sprinkle sugar on bars.
-
26
Keep in refigerator until ready to serve with a dollup of slightly sweetened whipped cream.