Rich and Buttery Pecan Brownies

According to recent studies, when you eat chocolate, your brain releases the same kind of "feel good" chemicals as when you get or give a hug. No doubt you’ve heard lots of people say (and you may be one of them) they’re addicted to chocolate. This caramel - like brownie is filled to the brim with pecan and accented with a whisper of tart lemon. They’re the perfect way to cleanse your pallet between chocolate fixes.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/4 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 2 2/3 cups pecan pieces

Melt the butter in a sauce pan or in the microwave. Add the sugar and let cool slightly.

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a medium bowl beat eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest. Add brown sugar - butter mixture. Stir in flour mixture. Add nuts and mix to coat each piece with the batter.

Spray a 9" x 13" pan with a non stick spray and spread in the batter evenly.

Bake for about 30 - 35 minutes at 350° or until the top is slightly puffed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out barely moist.

Cool completely in the pan on a rack before cutting and enjoying.