Butter Tart Squares

We were all in the need for something a little sweet today, and I tried out this recipe from a Taste of Home cookie magazine from 2009.  It is now definitely one of my favorites.  It is easy to make, uses only one bowl (or pot, as the case may be) and uses things that I generally have on hand.  Moreover, it tastes like a butter tart but with the consistency of a brownie.  YUM!!

Caramel Pecan Bars

1 cup butter
2 1/4 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup flaked coconut

In a large saucepan, heat butter and stir in sugar until melted.  Beat in eggs and vanilla.  Combine flour and baking powder, and then mix well into butter and sugar mixture.  Stir in pecans and coconut. (The original recipe calls for 2 cups of pecans, but alas, I didn't have enough.  I substituted in the coconut, and they turned out wonderfully!).  Pour into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan, and bake at 350 degrees for approx. 25 minutes.  Cool completely, and cut into squares.

Enjoy!! (Just for today, we can pretend that butter and sugar are good for us...)