Caramel Pecan Brownies

Caramel Pecan Brownies

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening plus more for greasing pan
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2/3 all-purpose flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
12 caramels
1 tablespoon milk

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom and sides of square pan, 8 x 8 x 2 or 9 x 9 x 2 inches, with shortening. Mix sugar, shortening, vanilla and eggs in large bowl. Stir in flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Spread in pan. Sprinkle with pecans.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Heat caramels and milk in 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until caramels are melted. Drizzle over warm brownies. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For brownies, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows.