"Christmas Bars"

My dad and his brothers looked forward to these bar cookies every year at Christmas. Despite the name "Toffee Squares" they neither contained toffee, nor were cut into small squares. So they started calling them "Christmas Bars". Sticking with tradition, I make these for the holidays, and sometimes a batch for Kevin on his birthday…which is coming up, in fact!

Chocolate Toffee Squares (a.k.a. Christmas Bars)

1 c. butter (2 sticks)
1 c. brown sugar
1 egg
2 t. vanilla
2 c. flour
12 oz. chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

1. Beat butter and brown sugar together until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well.
2. With mixer, beat in 1 cup of flour; then stir in a cup of flour by hand.
3. Spread evenly into UNGREASED 9x13 baking pan.
4. Bake 15 minutes at 350˚.
5. Melt chocolate and spread over baked crust.
6. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if desired.
7. Cut bars while chocolate is still warm.