Friday Recipe - Chocolate Pecan Bars

I made these for Thanksgiving and I am also making some to give as gifts to neighbors for Christmas presents.

Chocolate Pecan Bars
INGREDIENTS:
2 sticks of butter
3/4 c packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 3/4 c flour

TOPPING:
1 stick of butter
1/2 c packed brown sugar
1/4 c honey
2 Tbls white sugar
2 Tbls heavy cream
pinch of salt
2 c pecan halves
1 tsp vanilla
1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Using a mixer, cream butter and brown sugar. Mix in salt. Slowly add in flour until mixture is crumbly. Press mixture into a 9x13 baking dish. Chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Prick with a fork slightly and bake for 17-20 minutes. Cool completely.

Reduce temperature in oven to 325 degrees. While crust is cooling, make the topping. In a saucepan over medium-high heat melt butter, brown sugar, honey, cream and white sugar. Stirring constantly. When mixture is thoroughly combined, remove from heat and add in salt, vanilla and pecans.

Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of crust and then pour on the pecan mixture. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Cool completely. Using a sharp knife, cut into bars. These can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

**NOTE: The chocolate layer can be eliminated if you want. The bars are excellent without the chocolate layer, but I prefer the chocolate layer.