Cinnamon Caramel Bars

These cookies are delicious and addicting!  (My husband didn't know that he 
liked pecans, until he tried these cookies. They immediately became a favorite.)

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups  flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 package (14 ounce) caramels, unwrapped
1/4 cup milk

Method: 
Preheat oven to 350*. Sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Set aside. Mix brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla and pecans in a large bowl until well blended. Add flour mixture; mix well. Set aside 1 cup of the batter. Spread remaining batter into a greased foil lined 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until firm.
Microwave caramels and milk in a microwaveable bowl on high for 2 - 3 minutes, or until caramels are melted, stirring after each minute. Cool 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Pour over baked layer in pan, spreading to within 1/2 inch of the edges. Drop saved 1 cup of batter by spoonfuls over caramel layer. Cut through batter with a knife several times for a marble effect. Bake 15 - 20 minutes longer or until center is set. Cool in pan on wire rack. Lift from pan. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Makes 24.