Chocolate Chip-Pecan Bars

Directions

Preheat an oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a 9-by-13-inch (23-by-33-cm) baking pan.

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Reduce the speed to low and beat in the flour mixture just until incorporated. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the 2 cups chocolate chips and the pecans.

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake until the top looks dry, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool completely.

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the 1/3 cup chocolate chips, stirring constantly, until smooth. Cut into bars. Using a fork, drizzle the melted chocolate over the bars. Let set before serving. Makes 12 to 16 bars.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Dessert of the Day, by Kim Laidlaw (Weldon Owen, 2013).