Chewy Carmel Peanut Bars

Ingredients

• 1 - stick unsalted butter, soften

• 1-1/4 - cups packed dark brown sugar

• 1-1/2 - Tablespoons vanilla

• 2 - large eggs

• 1-1/4 - cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 - teaspoon salt

• 1/2 - teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 - cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 - cup light corn syrup

• 1/4 - cup water

• 1/3 - cup heavy cream

• 2-1/4 - cups roasted peanuts

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° F.  Butter a 12 by 9 by 2 inch baking pan and all some flour.  Coat sides with flour.

1. In a large mixing bowl, add soften butter and beat in the brown sugar with a electric mixer.  You want it light and fluffy.  

2. Add a 1 tablespoon of vanilla and eggs.  Then sift in the flour and baking powder.  You want to beat until it is just blended.

3. Spoon batter into pan and spread evenly.  Put in oven and bake 20 to 30 minutes or until the dough pulls away from pan.  Keep in pan and cool on a rack.

4. Next bring to a boil the granulated sugar, corn syrup, a pinch of salt and water in a 2 quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat.  Stir until sugar is dissolved.  

5. Continue to boil, but do not stir.  The mixture turns a golden caramel color.

6. Remove caramel from heat can add the cream and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.  Be careful, mixture will bubble and steam.  Put it back on your heat and continue cooking, stirring until smooth.  

7. Stir in pecans and quickly pour over dough still in the baking pan.  Spread mixture evenly.

8. Cool in pan on rack and then cut into bars.