Palooza is a fun word. (Toffee Bars)

Sometimes, you're just in the mood for chocolate.  The way that my husband was in the mood for meat.  So, we decided to host a Meat-A-Palooza, a little "grill/deck warming" party.  He got his meat, I got my chocolate.  Win!

I wanted something easy to make, chocolaty, with a crunch.  These bars fit the bill on all accounts, and I was able to make them with what I already had on hand.  They're different than brownies or blondies, fancier than cookies, and easily creative.   And good with coffee.  

In fact, I'm calling them Coffee Toffee Bars. 

Because who doesn't like rhyming names?

Coffee Toffee Bars
(adapted from Betty Crocker's Cookbook)
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg yolk
2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups chocolate chips or 4-5 chocolate bars, chopped
2/3 cup chopped nuts

In a large bowl, stir together butter, brown sugar, vanilla, egg yolk until well mixed.  Stir in flour and salt.  Press dough in an ungreased 13x9 pan.  Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, until light brown and soft.  Immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot crust.  Let stand for a few minutes, until soft, then spread evenly.  Sprinkle the wet chocolate with the nuts.  Cool 1 hour, until set.  For easier cutting, slice before the chocolate is set.