Baking My Way: Treasure Chest Bars

 This is an interesting bar. I'm not sure that I like nuts in it. Next time I'll either put pecans or no nuts at all and just up the chocolate. It's still a very good bar. It's light but yet very decadent and rich if that makes sense. The icing is wonderful and I just wanted to sit and eat that on its own.

BARS:
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup soft butter
Dash of salt
3/4 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
3 Hershey bars, cut into pieces (or 1 cup of chocolate chips)
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained, halved
1 cup chopped mixed nuts (pecans are best)

ICING:
1/4 cup butter
2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2-3 tbsp. milk

In a large bowl, combine all bar ingredients except cherries, chocolate and nuts. Blend until smooth at medium speed, about 2 minutes. By hand, stir in rest of ingredients; spread in greased and floured jelly roll pan, 15"x10". Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.

In a small saucepan, brown butter until golden brown, stirring constantly over medium heat. Remove from heat; stir in powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk and blend to spreading consistency. Spread over warm bars. Cool completely. Makes 48 bars.