Caramel & Chocolate Pecan Bars

(from Land O'Lakes)

Crust Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup pecan halves (I chop mine instead of leaving them whole)

Caramel Layer
2/3 cup butter
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup semi-sweet real chocolate chips (I don't measure these; I just sprinkle until I have the amount I want - probably not a full cup)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all crust ingredients EXCEPT pecans in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press onto bottom of ungreased 13x9 inch baking pan. Place pecans evenly over unbaked crust.

Combine 2/3 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar in 1-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until entire surface of mixture begins to boil. Boil for ONE MINUTE, stirring constantly. Pour evenly over pecans and crust.

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until entire caramel layer is bubbly. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with chips; allow to melt slightly (2-3 minutes). Swirl chips over caramel layer.

Cool completely; cut into bars. Store at room temperature in loosely covered container - if there are any left to store.