1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons dark Karo syrup
2 egg yolks, beaten
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup pecan pieces
16 pecan halves
1 tablespoon dark Karo syrup (for pecan halves)

Mix pecan halves with 1 tablespoon of dark Karo syrup and set aside.

Beat shortening with brown sugar until creamy. Add molasses, 2 tablespoons dark Karo syrup and pecan pieces; blend. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract.

Measure flour, add baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

To batter slowly mix in dry ingredients until all ingredients are blended well.

Place in an 8-inch square greased baking pan. Top batter with arranged pecan halves that have been mixed with the dark Karo syrup.

Place baking pan in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes.