These Butterscotch Bars are delicious on their own, make the Caramelized Bananas when you really want to go all out!  Simple yet elegant.

 

Make the Butterscotch Bars:

 

1/2 c. unsalted butter

2 c. packed dark brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 c. walnuts, chopped

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Confectioners' sugar for dusting

 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Grease a 9" square pan.

In a heavy medium saucepan, melt the butter with the sugar.  Remove from heat and cool slightly, but do not allow mixture to harden.

Stir in eggs, walnuts, flour, baking powder, salt and vanilla.

Pour batter into pan. Bake 30-35 min. until toothpick comes out clean.

Cool completely.  Dust with confectioners' sugar.  Cut into bars.

 

 

 

 

Just before serving, make the Caramelized Bananas:

 

4 T. unsalted butter

3/4 c. dark brown sugar

pinch of salt

3 large or 4 small bananas, sliced

 

Melt butter in medium skillet or saute pan over low heat.  Add sugar and salt and stir to combine.  Add bananas and stir gently to coat.  Turn heat up to medium and allow to bubble for 4 minutes stirring occasionally.  Serve warm with Butterscotch Bars and whipped cream, if desired.