Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars

I made this yummy dessert for the Ladies Night I recently attended! These bars are super simple to make, only have a handful of ingredients, but are incredibly rich!!! I got the recipe from the source of many of my good recipes, a Penzeys Spices catalog. {Looking up that web address has reminded me that it's been a while since I've received their inspiring catalog, so I just got myself back on their mailing list!}

Penzeys, if you don't know, sells mail order spices, and they also have a few stores nationwide. You can order high-quality spices in small quantities, or in bulk at considerable savings. It has been a while since I have been able to order from them, but it is one of my favorite food resources. Their catalog always has several recipes, and I tear out the ones that appeal to me. Turns out, if you go to their website, you can see many of their recent recipes!

So, here is the Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bar recipe for you to try!

Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend together the flour, brown sugar, and butter until particles are fine crumbs. Pat into ungreased 13x9 glass pan. Sprinkle top with:

• 1 cup pecans, whole or chopped

Caramel:

• 3/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Put caramel ingredients into a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring to a full boil and boil for one minute, continuing to stir constantly. Pour over crust and pecans. Bake for 20 minutes -- do not overbake. When you remove the bars from the oven, sprinkle the top with:

• 1-2 cups chocolate chips

The amount of chocolate you use depends on your preference. {I love chocolate, so I tend to go overboard. As you can see from my photo, I obviously used the full two cups. I also used really good 60% dark chocolate chips. I should have used a cup, to a cup and a half so the other flavors would come through more.} When the chips have melted, spread them evenly over the crust. It is suggested that you cut these while they are still warm, since the chocolate will eventually set up. Let me know if you try this recipe. Enjoy!!!

I am linking up with Jen at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam for Tasty Tuesday!