Shelly's Recipe

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL SWIRL BARS

Category: Bars

2/3 cup shortening
1 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tbsp water, divided
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
14 oz caramels unwrapped
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 13 x 9 inch pan with shortening.

Combine shortening, brown sugar, one tbsp water and vanilla in large bowl. Beat until well blended. Beat eggs into creamed mixture.

Combine flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda. Mix into creamed mixture at low speed until just blended. Place caramels and remaining 1 tbsp water in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 100 percent (HIGH power) for 2 minutes. Stir. Microwave an additional minute if caramels are not melted or place in small saucepan over low heat. Stir often until melted. Spread half of chocolate mixture in greased pan. Distribute melted caramel evenly over chocolate mixture. Sprinkle chocolate chips over caramel. Spread remaining chocolate mixture over caramel and chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes, or until centre is set. Cool in pan on cooling rack. Cut into bars. Makes: 3 dozen bars.