Chocolate Pudding Brownies

6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 (3 3/4- to 4-ounce) box regular chocolate pudding mix
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Confectioners' sugar

Cream butter and sugar. Blend in eggs, milk and vanilla extract.

Stir together flour, pudding mix, baking powder and salt. Add to creamed mixture; mix well. Stir in nuts. Spread in greased 9-inch square baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool.

Sift confectioners' sugar over top, if desired. Cut into bars.