best dessert: Raspberry Bars {Totally Tasty Tuesdays}

This is a great treat. It's crunchy on the bottom, chewy in the middle, and soft on top. It's a party in your mouth! It makes an 8x8 square pan, but you could double it to make a 9x13 size. I shared some with my friend and I told her she's gonna want to hide these so she could have them all to herself. I bet she did. It has just the right amount of chocolate chips to fill that chocolate need we all have.

Crust:

1 1/4 c. flour

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. butter or margarine

Topping:

2/3 c. flour

1/2 c. chopped pecans (optional)

1/3 c. packed brown sugar

6 Tbsp. butter or margarine, softened

1/2 c. raspberry jam (or another kind you like)

2 c. milk chocolate chips ( I didn't use that much. I just sprinkled some over top.)

For Crust:

Combine flour and sugar in a bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press onto the bottom of a greased 8x8 or 9x9 pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 18-22 minutes until set but not brown.

For Topping:

Combine flour, pecans, and brown sugar in same bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender. Spread jam over hot crust. Sprinkle with topping crumbs and chocolate chips. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into bars.