Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cups (12-ounce package) semisweet chocolate chips, divided
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Caramel Topping: 25 caramels, unwrapped
• Caramel Topping: 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
• Caramel Topping: 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup pecan pieces

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang. Grease and flour the foil.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and water. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, just until the mixture boils. Remove from the heat. Immediately stir in 1 cup of the chocolate chips until melted. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until blended. Stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then stir them into the chocolate mixture. Spread the batter in the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the brownies begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. While they bake, prepare the caramel topping: combine the unwrapped caramels, butter, and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute and stir. Continue in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, for 1 to 2 minutes more, until smooth. Use immediately.
4. Remove the brownies from the oven and carefully spread the caramel topping over them. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup chocolate chips and the pecans. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack without disturbing the soft chips. Lift out using the foil and cut into bars.