The Menu Mama recipes

3 Tbsp shortening (I like butter-flavored Crisco)

3 Tbsp butter (softened)

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups flour (add an extra Tbsp for high altitude)

1 tsp baking powder (scant tsp for high altitude)

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, if omitting, add an extra 1/4-1/2 cup chocolate chips)

In your mixing bowl, cream the shortening, butter, and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.

Mix flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl then gradually mix into butter, sugar, egg mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (if using).

Spray a 9x9 inch baking pan with cooking spray and spread batter inside. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cut into squares and serve warm (with ice cream and hot fudge, if desired).