Butter Pecan Turtle Cookies

CRUST

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup whole pecan pieces

CARAMEL LAYER

2/3 cup butter

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine all crust ingredients except pecans. Beat at medium speed,

scraping bowl often until well mixed and particles are fine. ( 2-3 minutes) Press on bottom on 13x9 inch ungreased baking pan.

Sprinkle pecans evenly over unbaked crust. In a 1 quart saucepan combine butter and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat

stirring constantly until entire surface of mixture begins to boil. Boil 1 minute. Pour evenly over pecans and crust. Bank 18-22

minutes or until entire caramel layer is bubbly. Remove from oven. Immediately sparingly with chips; allow to melt slightly.

Swirl chips leaving some whole for a marbled effect. Cool completely; cut into bars. Yield 3 dozen.

Note: For a healthier version, reduce the sugar content in the recipe by substituting Splenda brand brown sugar substitute cup for cup.