Butterscotch Bars

½ cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup coconut (optional)
1 cup walnuts (optional)

Melt butter in saucepan or microwave. Remove from heat and add brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Sift together dry ingredients and add all at once. Mix thoroughly then stir in coconut and walnuts if using. Spread in a greased 9-by-13 pan. Bake at 350º for 25 minutes and cut while warm.

This recipe has been in my family for years. When I make it for the kids I skip the nuts and coconut, but they are awesome in the finished bar!