Raspberry and Chocolate Dream Bars

I belong to a large women’s bible study and we break down into small groups to study. Every week it’s a different groups turn to bring goodies. It was my groups turn today. I made two different kinds of cookies to share. Fruit and Chocolate Dream bars have been on my *To Make* list for a while as well as Lime Melt Aways.
This post is about my dream bars. Simple ingredients that one can usually find in the pantry, these cookies can be very versatile. I used raspberry jam but you could use any flavor. Strawberry would be excellent as well as an orange marmalade. Mmmmmm. The recipe called for milk chocolate but I accidentally used semi-sweet. Even a dark chocolate would be delicious. Mix up the nuts like I did. I thought I had pecans like the recipe called for. Nope. Sliced almonds in the pantry. O-well! Almond it is. was.
These cookies start with a shortbread like crust. . Next came a layer of jam, glorious fruity jam, spread over the warm crust. Top with a crumble and chocolate chips and it’s back to the oven for another 15 minutes.
Simple as 1, 2, 3.

Fruit and Chocolate Dream Bars
Recipe by Nestles

CRUST
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
TOPPING
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
1 3/4 cups (11.5-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Milk Chocolate Morsels

Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 375° F. Grease 9-inch-square baking pan.

FOR CRUST:
COMBINE flour and granulated sugar in medium bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press onto bottom of prepared baking pan.

BAKE for 18 to 22 minutes or until set but not brown.

FOR TOPPING:
COMBINE flour, nuts and brown sugar in small bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

SPREAD jam over hot crust. Sprinkle with morsels and Topping.

BAKE for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.

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