Jeweled Mixed-Nut Bars

I encountered this amazing recipe in the weeks leading up to Christmas 2008. It is delightful -- a delight to prepare, a delight to cut, a delight to serve, and a delight to consume. A sweet cookie-like base is topped with a butterscotch-flavored caramel that envelops whatever type of nuts you'd like to use. Pleasing both to the eyes and to the taste buds.

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter (cold)

- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 package (6 oz) butterscotch chips* (just under 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup white corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups deluxe mixed nuts (1 cup peanuts + 1 cup cashews works well)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray.

In medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in butter (use a pastry blender). Press into prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, over low heat, melt butter and butterscotch chips. Stir in corn syrup and vanilla. Spread mixed nuts over base. Pour/drizzle topping evenly over nuts.

Bake for 9-10 minutes or until sides start to bubble. About 5 minutes into baking, use spatula to press nuts down into base. Cool completely. Cut into squares.

*Chocolate chips can be substituted for butterscotch chips, but the bars won't look "jeweled" or nearly as pretty.