Idiot's delight

1 batch

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2packsButter-pecan instant pudding/pie filling
Milk (as needed)
1largeCool Whip (quart?)
2cupsFlour
¾cupPecans, finely ground
cupPecans, coarsely broken
1tablespoonButter
8ouncesCream cheese
2tablespoonsSour cream (optional)
1cupConfectioner's sugar
9tablespoonsButter (1 stick and 1 inch)
6teaspoonsLight brown sugar

Directions

FILLING

CRUST

TOPPING

PREPARE CRUST: Stir pecans for crust into flour and cut in butter.

Use spatula to press mixture flat into long pan (9x12"). Bake at 325 degrees F. till brown, about 25 minutes. (You will smell the nuts cooking.)

PREPARE TOPPING: Brown pecans for topping in 1 T butter and the light brown sugar until resembles praline; let cool.

Soften cream cheese; add 2 T sour cream (optional). Mix up pudding according to directions, including milk. Blend cream cheese mixture thoroughly with confectioner's sugar; add 1 cup Cool Whip from container.

Spread cream cheese mixture onto cooled crust; top with pudding, then the rest of the cool whip. Pour cooled pecan topping on top and chill.

Vicki's notes:

* Mom makes a version similar to black-bottom pie; see that recipe.

* Make HALF a batch!