Dark Chocolate Pecan Bars

Great for Thanksgiving! Ooey-gooey.

Ingredients:

- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla

- 2 cups pecan halves or pieces
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 13x9" glass baking pan with 1 tablespoon butter. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cocoa powder in the pan, tapping the pan so that all buttered surfaces are coated with the cocoa, then shake out any excess cocoa powder.

Use a hand mixer on low speed to beat together the 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Then gradually add the 1 1/2 cups flour and 1/4 cup brown sugar, until well combined into a coarse crumb texture.

Press the crust into the prepared 13x9" pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a large bowl. Add the corn syrup, 3/4 cup brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla to the eggs; whisk together. Fold in the pecans, chocolate chips, and coconut.

Pour the filling into the baked crust. Bake for an additional 22-27 minutes, or until the bars are set. If desired, sprinkle the baked bars with flake salt for a garnish. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely, then cut into bars.