Double-Nut Maple Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Butter 8 x 8 x 2-inch metal baking pan.
3. 3
   Combine flour, sugar and salt in processor and blend.
4. 4
   Add butter and process until mixture resembles coarse meal.
5. 5
   Combine egg yolk and milk in small bowl.
6. 6
   Drizzle egg mixture into processor; process using on/off turns just until dough clumps together but is still dry.
7. 7
   Transfer dough crumbs to prepared pan.
8. 8
   Press crumbs onto bottom and halfway up sides of pan.
9. 9
   Bake until crust is set and pale golden, about 25 minutes.
10. 10
    Transfer crust to rack and cool.
11. 11
    Combine maple syrup, sugar, cream and butter in heavy medium saucepan.
12. 12
    Bring mixture to boil.
13. 13
    Boil 2 minutes.
14. 14
    Remove from heat and stir in nuts and vanilla.
15. 15
    Pour filling over crust, spreading nuts evenly bake until filling bubbles all over, about 8 minutes.
16. 16
    Transfer to rack and cool completely.
17. 17
    Cut into bars and serve at room temperature.
18. 18
    (Can be prepared 1 day ahead.
19. 19
    Store cookies between sheets of wax paper in airtight container at room temperature.)