Maple Walnut Bars

A cookie bar with a shortbread crust topped with a sweet maple and walnut filling.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine flour, sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut 1/2 cup butter into mixture with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly. Press into bottom and sides of 9-inch square pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool.
3. Combine brown sugar, syrup, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; blend well. Pour over baked crust; sprinkle with nuts.
4. Place a "tent" of foil over baking pan and bake for 30 minutes.

Makes 16 bars.