Butterscotch Bars

Butterscotch Bars

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

2 cups packed dark brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

1½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

1¼ teaspoons vanilla extract

½ cup finely chopped white chocolate (for drizzling)

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Spray or grease a 9-inch square baking pan.

In a heavy medium saucepan, melt the butter with the sugar. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly (don't let the mixture harden). Stir in the eggs, pecans, flour, baking powder and vanilla.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the center of the oven 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Heat the chocolate in a microwavable container on high for 1 minute, then stir. If necessary, heat for an additional 15-30 seconds, and stir until melted. Using a teaspoon, drizzle the melted chocolate over the brownies. Using a small sharp knife, cut into bars.

Serves 20.

Nutrition values per serving: 250 calories, 10 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 32 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein, 35 mg cholesterol, 35 mg sodium.

"The Best Bake Sale Ever Cookbook" by Barbara Grunes, (2007 Chronicle, $19.95)