MICROWAVE HOMEMADE CARAMEL CHEWS

1/2 cup butter, divided use
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (4 oz.)
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 of a 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk, about 3/4 cup
1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Generously butter bottom of an 8 inch square micro-safe baking pan. Add nuts. Shake pan to settle nuts into an even layer.

Put remaining butter and corn syrup in a 2 quart micro-safe bowl (or other deep sided micro-safe container). Microwave at HIGH power for 2 minutes or until butter melts.

Add condensed milk, brown sugar, and vanilla. Stir to smoothly blend. Microwave at MEDIUM power for 8-10 minutes, stirring well every minute or so, until mixture has a thick, caramel consistency.

Pour mixture over nuts in pan. Tilt pan so caramel flows over nuts in an even layer. Let cool at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.

Makes about 5 dozen