During this crazy health crisis, it is important that we all take care of each other.  Giving without the expectation of anything in return will elevate your happiness and sense of caring. It shows that you are thinking of someone, and will help you strengthen the bond that you have with them.

There is a social value to gift-giving as well. For thousands of years, people have engaged in “potlatch”, now an antiquated term, that was a happy ceremony that celebrates engaging in this custom. Many moons ago, the status of a family was dictated not by their wealth, but instead by those who gave away the most. The more lavish the potlatch, the more prestigious the family was.

Whether it is a gift of time, a meal, or a necklace, gift giving is one of the ways one can show a partner that they care. It can strengthen a bond or even signal that a relationship is likely to end. With many branches of social science weighing in, the New York Times wrote that giving gifts is “a surprisingly complex and important part of human interaction and will help define relationships and strengthen bonds with family and friends.” They also note that it is often the giver, rather than the recipient who reaps the most psychological gains from a gift.

This is a cue for all of us to go out of our way and make someone happy. By doing this, the biggest effect may be on ourselves. It reinforces our feelings for them, but also makes us feel effective and caring, and who could want anything more?

If you make this delicious treat, you may want to make another batch and give it to someone you care about. These perfect pecan bars will surely make their day. The heavy cream adds a depth of flavor that ensures these bars are delightfully rich. The honey makes it lip smacking, gooey, and sweet. The orange and lemon zest gives it savory tang, and of course the pecans add a smokey, nutty goodness. They are housed by an elegant crust, making each bite irresistible. These bars are a delightful treat, for dessert, breakfast, or a snack. It is love in every bite.

This recipe is courtesy of Ina Garten, who never, ever disappoints. It will serve 6 to 8 of the luckiest people.

Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Pecan Squares:

For the Crust:

2 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter, room temperature (this is 5 sticks of butter or 1.25 lbs)
3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
3 Eggs, large
3/4 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
4 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt

For the Filling:

2 cups Unsalted Butter (this is 4 sticks of butter or 1 lb)
1 cup Honey
3 cups Light Brown Sugar, packed
1 teaspoon Grated Lemon Zest
1 teaspoon Grated Orange Zest
1/4 cup Heavy Cream
2 pounds Chopped Pecans

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Make the Crust:

Beat the butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, until light, approximately 3 minutes.

Add the eggs and the vanilla and mix well.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix the dry ingredients into the batter with the mixer on low speed until just combined.

Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 18 by 12 by 1-inch baking sheet, making an edge around the outside.

(Note: The crust dough will be very sticky. To make it easier to work with, dust your hands and the dough with some flour as you work.)

Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is set but not browned. Allow to cool.

Make the filling:

Combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, and zests in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Cook over low heat until the butter is melted, using a wooden spoon to stir.

Raise the heat and boil for 3 minutes.

Remove from the heat.

Stir in the heavy cream and pecans.

Pour the filling over the crust, trying not to get the filling between the crust and the pan.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold.

Cut into bars and serve.

It’s that simple!