Portuguese Walnut Squares

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Madeira or port wine
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped fine
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Chopped walnuts for garnish

For glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon softened butter
• 1 tablespoon wine

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and beat well. Add vanilla, milk and 2 tablespoons Madeira or port. In separate bowl, mix nuts, flour and baking powder. Fold in butter-egg mixture until batter forms; do not overbeat.

Spoon into lightly greased and floured 9-inch square pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. After removing from oven, brush with 2 to 3 tablespoons of wine. Cool to room temperature and glaze.

To make glaze, mix powdered sugar, butter and wine to spreading consistency.

Makes 16 bars.

Source: John Pacheco, St. Petersburg.