My grandmother LOVES the combination of Maple and Walnuts. It could be fudge, ice cream, really it doesn't matter just mix and she falls in love. So when I saw the recipe for Maple Walnut Bars from Canadian Living I couldn't resist. I cut them in squares, bought her a giant "I love Grandma" mug, and filled it to the top. I kept the corners and such for myself.
Let me tell you. These are so good... So very very good. I honestly cannot stop eating the left overs. I has a short bread sandies base, and a creamy fudgey top. You won't regret the 20 minutes it takes to make this thing!
This is definitely something so easy, and so decadent, that I have to share. 
Maple Walnut Bars:
Base:
2/3 cup softened butter
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
Pinch of salt
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
Beat together butter, sugar and salt until fluffy; stir in flour and walnuts. Press into parchment paper-lined 13X9" metal cake pan; prick all over with a fork.
Bake in 350F for about 15 minutes. Let cool in pan.
Topping:
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tbsp maple syrup
3/4 tsp maple extract
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 cups icing sugar
40 walnut halves
Beat the butter, maple syrup and extract, and vanilla until creamy; beat in sugar in 2 additions, spread over base.
Press Walnuts halves, over top.
Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hr. cut into bars.
Enjoy!
