Butterscotch Cashew Bars

These are some of the best bars ever. I am not kidding. I first made these before I even had a blog (5 1/2 years ago, at least!) and I hadn't made them since. Not because I didn't like them, but rather because I liked them too much. I still have to wear pants... and this recipe makes a BIG pan of bars. Luckily, they're great for a potluck or family reunion or what have you, and they freeze really well. That doesn't always help me with temptation though, since I love to eat cookies and bars right out of the freezer! These can be made really quickly so they are a great last minute dessert, too. Keep your pantry stocked with butterscotch chips and cashews, and you'll be set! (if not a little fatter...)

In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Combine flour and salt; add to creamed mixture

just until combined. Press into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.

Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the corn syrup, (I spray the measuring cup with non stick spray first for easy release of the sugary goodness!)

butter and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until smooth.

butterscotch chips,

water and butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until smooth.
Spread over crust.

Sprinkle with cashews.

Press them down lightly. Isn't this gorgeous?

Bake for 11-13 minutes or until topping is bubbly and lightly browned.

Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Devour.

One year ago: Roasted Pistachio Ice Cream
Two years ago: Poppyseed Cake
Three years ago: Basmati Rice and Chicken Salad
Four years ago: Canteloupe Sorbet
Five years ago: Oat Waffles

Find more great stuff at Cast Party, What's Cooking, Yuck Stops Here, Full Plate Thursday, Showcase Your Talent.

Butterscotch Cashew Bars

Crust:
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 1/2 cups lour
1 3/4 tsp. salt

Topping:
1 package (12 ounces) butterscotch chips
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. light corn syrup
3 Tbsp. butter
2 tsp. water
2 1/2 cups salted cashew halves

In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Combine flour and salt; add to creamed mixture just until combined. Press into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the butterscotch chips, corn syrup, butter and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until smooth.

Spread over crust. Sprinkle with cashews; press down lightly. Bake for 11-13 minutes or until topping is bubbly and lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes 3-1/2 dozen bars.

Recipe Source: Taste of Home