BROWN SUGAR PECAN STICKY BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350*.
• Generously grease 9x13 pan or coat with nonstick spray.
• In a small bowl, thoroughly stir together the oats, and 1/4 cup hot water; set aside. In a large bowl, with electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the brown sugar, butter and salt until well blended. and fluffy -- Add the egg and vanilla and beat until well blended. Fold in the pecans and coconut.
• Turn out mixture into the baking pan, spreading to the edges.
• Bake in upper third of oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let stand until cooled to warm. about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, for the topping; while the crust is cooling, in a 2 quart heavy saucepan, combine the pecans and butter.
• Bring to a simmer over medium high heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes, or until butter is lightly browned, be careful not to burn.
• Using a long handled wooden spoon to avoid splattering, stir in the brown sugar, salt, cream and corn syrup until evenly incorporated.
• Return to a boil and boil briskly, stirring constantly for exactly 2 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
• Immediately spread the topping evenly over the still warm crust.
• Let stand until completely cooled.
• Using a large sharp knife, cut the slab into 24 bars. Before each cut, dip the knife into hot water and dry off.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.
• If freezing, leave the slab whole, then cut into bars, when partially thawed.