Maple Walnut Bars

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!