Classic congo bars, a brown sugar brownie-like bar with chocolate chips and pecans.

Congo Bars

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar, firmly packed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 large eggs

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 (12-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease with shortening a 9 x 13 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Set aside.
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Using a wooden spoon, beat butter and sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add flour mixture, and mix until just combined. Add chopped nuts and chocolate, and mix to combine.
4. Place the dough in the prepared baking dish, spread dough evenly.
5. Bake until golden brown and a wooden pick comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
6. Remove to rack to cool slightly before cutting, about 20 minutes.
7. Cut into 18 (2 1/4 x 3-inch) bars. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 18 bars.