This cookie bar has a pre-baked crust that is topped with chocolate chips and a cooked almond candy mixture that is spooned over the chocolate chips and baked until golden brown.

Chocolate Candy Cookie Bars

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - divided use
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup cold butter - divided use
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk - divided use
1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips - divided use
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 1/2 cups sliced almonds

1. Heat oven to 375°F (175°C).
2. In medium bowl, stir together flour, 2 tablespoons sugar and baking powder; cut in 1/2 cup butter with pastry blender until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in egg and 2 tablespoons evaporated milk; stir until mixture holds together in ball shape. Press onto bottom and 1/4-inch up sides of 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch jelly roll pan.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned; remove from oven.
5. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips evenly over crust; set aside.
6. In 3-quart saucepan, place remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar, remaining 1/2 cup butter, remaining 1/2 cup evaporated milk and corn syrup.
7. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils; stir in almonds. Continue cooking and stirring to 240°F on candy thermometer (soft-ball stage) or until mixture, when dropped into very cold water, forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from water. Remove from heat. Immediately spoon almond mixture evenly over chips and crust; do not spread.
8. Bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes or just until almond mixture is golden brown. Remove from oven; cool 5 minutes.
9. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips; cool completely. Cut into bars.

Makes about 4 dozen bars.