Chewy Nut bars

Chewy Nut bars

2 sticks butter, softened and divided

1 cup powdered sugar

1 1/4 cup flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup caramel baking chips

1/2 cup chopped almonds, pecans or walnuts

4 tablespoons heavy cream (I used half and half)

1 teaspoon salt

Set aside 2 tablespoons of butter.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, beat sugar and 1 3/4 sticks butter until fluffy. Slowly add cocoa powder and flour and mix well. Pour into baking dish. Press into baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.

In a medium saucepan on low heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter with sweetened condensed milk. Stir until thickened, remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour sauce over top of baked crust. Return to oven and bake until golden brown, 8-10 minutes.

Toast nuts in a dry pan until fragrant. Cool slightly then rough chop and set aside.

Melt caramel chips in microwave with 4 tablespoons heavy cream; 30 second intervals, stirring each time, for 2 minutes. Fold nuts and salt into caramel sauce, and pour over top and spread o