Mary's Salted Caramel Pecan Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla until well blended.
2. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in pecans.
3. Press into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
4. In a small saucepan, heat condensed milk, butter and salt over medium heat until smooth and thickened, about 8 minutes. Spread over cooled bars.
5. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until set. Cut into bars.

Interesting Facts

• The original recipe for these bars was created in the 1930s by a woman named Mary.
• Pecans are native to North America and are a popular ingredient in Southern cuisine.
• Salted caramel is a popular flavor combination that brings out the sweetness of the caramel.