Each week, this column offers recipes from Valley cookbooks. If your organization would like to have

Each week, this column offers recipes from Valley cookbooks. If your organization would like to have its cookbook showcased, please contact our features editor Barb Shaffer at 330-747-1471, ext. 1282, or email her at shaffer@vindy.com.

AKRON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL “HUGS AND KISSES, HOPES AND WISHES”

Pecan Pie Bars

by Jill Pursifull

Sweet and very rich.

11/3cups all purpose flour

1/2cup plus 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1/2cup butter (one stick)

2large eggs

1/2cup light corn syrup

3/4cup finely chopped pecans

2tablespoons melted butter

1teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8teaspoon salt

In a small bowl mix flour and the 2 tablespoons brown sugar. With fingers work in 1/2 cup butter until dough begins to hold together. Press into bottom of a greased 9-inch, square baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until just firm. In a medium bowl lightly beat 1/2 cup brown sugar and the eggs. Add corn syrup, pecans, 2 tablespoons melted butter, vanilla and salt. Mix well. Pour over crust and bake 25 minutes or until edges are light brown. Cool in pan and cut into bars. Yields 27 bars.

Pistachio Cream Cheese Cookies

by Lindsey Mills

Looks great on a cookie tray!

1cup butter, softened (2 sticks)

3/4cup granulated sugar

8ounces cream cheese, softened

1 large egg

1teaspoon vanilla extract

21/4cups all purpose flour

11/3package instant pistachio pudding (3 ounces)

1teaspoon baking powder

1/2teaspoon salt

Cream together butter, sugar and cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingriedients and stir slowly into creamed mixture. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before handling. Roll into 1 inch balls (can be rolled in confectioners’ sugar or colored sugar). Bake for 9 to 11 minutes at 350 degrees on a greased cookie sheet. Cookies should be set and lightly brown on bottom. Store in an airtight container. Yields 5 to 6 dozen.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Proceeds from this cookie cookbook support the programs and services that help the children served by Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.

HOW TO ORDER

Each book costs $20 and may be purchased by calling Akron Children’s Development Office at 330-746-9122 or emailing jstock@chmca.org.