Tips From Pips
Chocolate Layer Bars

Ingredients:
12-ounce pkg. semisweet chocolate chips 1 8-ounce pkg. cream cheese ½ Cup plus 2 T evaporated milk (5-ounce can) 1 cup walnuts or almonds, chopped 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, softened 2 eggs
Directions:
Combine chocolate chips, cream cheese and evaporated milk in medium saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chips are melted, and mixture is smooth.
Remove from heat; stir in nuts and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Blend well; set aside.
Combine remaining ingredients in large mixer bowl. Blend well with mixer until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press half the mixture into a parchment paper lined 13 x 9-inch pan. Spread with the chocolate mixture.
Sprinkle rest of the crumbs over filling. (If the mixture softens and forms a dough – (Mine Did), pinch off pieces and place on top or roll out dough and place over the top).
Bake at 375 degrees F for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool; cut into bars.
(makes about 3 dozen bars)
