Turtle Bars

This particular recipe was one of my mom's "go-to" recipes in case of emergency pot luck. At least, it was one of her favorite recipes in her arsenal of pot luck friendly dishes she knew she'd never bring back home.  These cookie bars got rave reviews wherever she brought 'em. 

On a practical note, this "fills the bill" at least once a month when we are hormonally challenged.  If you really want something salty, add salt into the recipe either in the  crust or in the filling...  It works!  I know...

Turtle Bars:

For Crust:
2 cups flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened

For filling:
1 cup chopped pecans
1 1/3 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar

Topping:
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips

Directions:

1. For crust, combine flour, brown sugar and softened butter in large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Pat mixture evenly onto bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9 inch baking pan. 
2. For filling, Sprinkle pecans evenly over crust.  Combine butter and brown sugar in small saucepan. cook and stir over medium heat until entire surface is bubbly. cook and stir 1/2 to 1 minute more. Pour into pan, spreading evenly over crust.
3. Bake in 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven 18 to 20 minutes or until entire surface is bubbly. Remove from oven; immediately sprinkle evenly with chocolate pieces.  Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Use sharp knife to cut into bars.