Hazelnut Caramel Bars

From Martha Stewart Everyday food

Ingredients:
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Salt
1/3 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) hazelnuts, toasted and loose skins rubbed off (or skinless hazelnuts)
1/3 cup coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate (optional)

Directions
1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2) Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides; butter parchment.
3) Beat 1 stick butter and 1/3 cup brown sugar on medium-high until light, 1 to 2 minutes. Add flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt and beat on low until combined. Increase speed to medium and beat until clumps form.
4) Press dough evenly into pan.
5) Bake until golden and dry, about 20 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes.
6) Reduce temperature to 325 degrees.
7) In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, cream, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining stick butter and 2/3 cup brown sugar. Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute. Stir in nuts, then pour over crust.
8) Bake until bubbling in center, about 15 minutes.
9) Sprinkle with chocolate, if desired. Let cool 1 hour.
10) Using parchment, lift out of pan and refrigerate until set, 1 hour.
Cut into 24 pieces.

PREP: 20 MINS TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR