CARAMEL PECAN BARS

CARAMEL PECAN BARS 1 cup butter, cubed 2-1/4 cups packed brown sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 cups chopped pecans Confectioners’ sugar, optional In a large saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. In a small bowl, beat eggs and vanilla. Gradually add hot sugar mixture, stirring constantly. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to the butter mixture and mix well. Stir in pecans. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs and edges are crisp. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired. Cut into bars. Yield: 4 dozen.