This recipe is so versatile you can use any type of chocolate, nut or dried fruit. Don’t expect leftovers!

　　

Ingredients

makes 24 bars

　　2 1/4 cups unbleached white flour

　　1/2 teaspoon sea salt

　　1/2 teaspoon baking soda

　　14 tablespoons salted butter (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) at room temperature

　　1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar

　　2 large Eggland’s Best eggs

　　1 tablespoon vanilla

　　2 tablespoons water

　　1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips (can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips)

　　1 cup chopped pecans for inside the bar

　　1 cup chopped pecans for topping (optional)

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9- by 13-inch pan.

　　

Step 2

In a large bowl or mixer, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and water, and mix.

　　

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and soda. Add flour mixture to butter and egg mixture. Mix just enough to make sure ingredients are well combined, being sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.

　　

Step 4

Stir in chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped pecans.

　　

Step 5

Spread dough evenly in greased baking pan, smoothing the surface with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle additional 1 cup pecans on top and gently press into dough enough so that they do not move when the pan moves.

　　

Step 6

Bake for 25-30 minutes in the center of the oven. Check bars after 25 minutes. If a toothpick comes out of the dough clean, the bars are done. If not, return bars to oven for another 5 minutes. When the bars are done, the edges will be very lightly browned. Cool on a rack. Cut with a sharp knife when cool six lengthwise and four across to get 24 bars. Store in an airtight container.

　　

Tips

Step 7

Replace vanilla with natural maple flavor.

　　

Step 8

Use 3/4 cup dried coconut instead of 1 cup pecans in the bar and sprinkle 1/2 cup coconut on the top before baking.

　　

Nutritional Information

Step 9

Serving size: 1 bar

　　

Step 10

Calories: 237

　　

Step 11

Fat: 13g (48.3% calories from fat)

　　

Step 12

Cholesterol: 33mg

　　

Step 13

Sodium: 77mg

　　

Step 14

Total Carbohydrate: 29g

　　

Step 15

Dietary Fiber: 1g

　　

Step 16

Protein: 2g

　　Easy Gourmet