CHOCOLATE PECAN BARS

Chocolate Pecan Bars image

Yield Makes 24 bars

Number Of Ingredients 15

For the crust
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, beaten lightly
For the filling
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups chopped pecans
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Steps:

Make the crust:
In a food processor blend together the flour, the sugar, the butter, and the salt, pulsing the motor, until the mixture resembles coarse meal, add the egg, and blend the mixture until it forms a dough. Press the dough evenly with floured hands into the bottom of a buttered 13- by 9-inch baking dish and bake it in the middle of a preheated 350°F. oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is golden.
Make the filling while the crust is baking:
In a bowl cream the butter with the brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy and add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the flour, the vanilla, and the salt and stir in the pecans and the chocolate chips.
Spread the filling over the crust and bake the confection in the middle of the 350°F. oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let the confection cool completely in the dish on a rack and cut it into 24 bars. The bars may be made 2 days in advance and kept in an airtight container.