Pecan Pie Chocolate Chip Bars

 If you like pecan pie, you will like this.  This rich dessert will go a long way.  Just a small piece will take care of any sweet tooth.

PECAN PIE CHOCLATE CHIP BARS

(makes 36)

Crust Ingredients:

*1 3/4 cup all purpose flour

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*3/4 (1 1/2 sticks) cold butter

*1/2 cup ice cold water

Filling Ingredients:

*4 large eggs

*2 cups granulated sugar

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 cup all-purpose flour

*1 cup butter, melted 

*3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 

*3 cups chocolate chips 

*1 1/3 cups pecans, chopped 

Directions:

~In a small bowl or food processor,  mix the flour and salt.

~Add butter a cut in butter with a fork or pulse if using a food processor, until mixture is crumbly.

~Drizzle in water until mixture comes together.

~Form dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap.

~Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Lightly flour a clean surface and roll dough out to fit a 9x13 inch pan.

~Coat 9x13 inch pan with a cooking spray.

~Press dough into a 9x13 inch pan and refrigerate until ready to use.

~In a large bowl, mix eggs, sugar, and salt for 2-3 minutes.  

~Mix in flour, butter, and vanilla.

~Gently fold in chocolate chips.

~Pour over prepared crust.

~Sprinkle pecans over top.

~Place a sheet of aluminum foil loosely over pan. 

~Bake for 20 minutes.

~Remove sheet of aluminum foil and bake another 30 minutes or until top is a golden brown.

~Cool completely on a cooling rack before cutting.

~Refrigerate leftovers.

Variation:

`add a cup a coconut when adding the chocolate chips