1/4 cup shortening, divided
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
2 eggs
2 litres cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
5 teaspoons cornstarch
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup margarine, 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar and 2 eggs. Beat in 1/2 cup hot water, 1 teaspoon vanilla, milk, and cornstarch. Whisk in 3/4 cup pecans (unsweetened) and vanilla. Pour into prepared dish.
Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until knife inserted in middle comes out clean.
In a small bowl combine remaining 2 1/2 cup pecans and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until just set. Remove from oven and crumble; stir in pecans until just set.