Salted Caramel-Pecan Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 12 whole graham crackers
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 10 to 12 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.
2. 2. Line a 15- x 10-inch jelly-roll pan with aluminum foil; lightly grease foil. Arrange graham crackers in a single layer in prepared pan, slightly overlapping edges.
3. 3. Combine sugar, butter, and cream in a medium-size heavy saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla and pecans. Pour butter mixture over crackers, spreading to coat.
4. 4. Bake at 350° for 10 to 11 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly.
5. 5. Immediately sprinkle with salt, and slide foil from pan onto a wire rack. Cool completely (about 30 minutes). Break into bars.
6. Try This Twist!
7. Chocolate-Pecan-Caramel Bars: Prepare recipe as directed through Step 4. Top warm bars with 1 cup dark chocolate morsels. Let stand 3 minutes, and spread chocolate over bars. Proceed with recipe as directed in Step 5. Chill 20 minutes before serving.