Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients:

CRUST:
- 1 1/2 cups all flour
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt

FILLING:
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 7x11" or 9x9" glass pan.

Beat flour, butter, sugar, and salt in large bowl with electric mixer (or use pastry blender) until crumbly. Mixture will be dry. Press firmly in pan. Bake about 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

Mix the eggs, sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla in a bowl until well blended. Stir in pecans (and miniature chocolate chips, if desired). Pour over the baked crust; spread evenly.

Bake about 25 minutes or until filling is set. Cool completely.