Chocolate and Carmel Pecan Bars

Chocolate and Carmel Pecan Bars

Crust Ingredients:

2 C. all-purpose flour

1 C. firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 C. butter, softened

1 C. pecan halves

Caramel Layer Ingredients:

2/3 C. butter

1/2 C. firmly packed brown sugar

1 C. milk chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine all crust ingredients except pecans in large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed and particles are fine (2 to 3 minutes).

Press on bottom of ungreased 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Place pecans evenly over unbaked crust.

Combine 2/3 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar in 1-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until entire surface of mixture begins to boil. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour evenly over pecans and crust.

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until entire caramel layer is bubbly. Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with chips; allow to melt slightly (2 to 3 minutes). Swirl chips leaving some whole for a marbled effect.

Cool completely; cut into bars.

Tip: Do not overbake. Store at room temperature in a tightly covered container.