Chewy Pecan Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. 2
   Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving 2 inches of overhang to use as handles to remove the bars at the end of baking.
3. 3
   Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a small bowl.
4. 4
   Cream together the butter and light-brown sugar, using a hand mixer, in a separate, large bowl, until light and fluffy.
5. 5
   Beat in the vanilla.
6. 6
   Gradually pour in the dry mixture, and beat until the dough looks like coarse, pea-sized lumps.
7. 7
   Use your hands to form the dough into a ball, then transfer it to your prepared baking pan and press down evenly to fill the pan.
8. 8
   Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
9. 9
   To make the filling: Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, flour, bourbon, vanilla, salt, eggs, pecans, and chocolate chips in a large bowl.
10. 10
    Remove the hot half-baked dough from the oven, and spread the filling over the crust.
11. 11
    Return the pan to the oven, and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the top is puffed and brown and cracks begin to form (like a pecan-pie topping).
12. 12
    Let cool for 45 minutes before slicing into squares.