Shawna’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Bars

"This is hands down the top dessert that family and friends request that I bring to EVERY single gathering."

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INGREDIENTS (makes 18-24 bars)

• 2/3 cup vegetable shortening

• 2 cups packed brown sugar

• 1 tsp. vanilla

• 1 ¾ cup unsifted flour

• 1 ½ tsp. baking powder

• ½ tsp. salt

• 3 eggs

• 1 (12 oz.) pkg semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional: Can of store-bought vanilla frosting

METHOD

1. Preheat Oven 350° and prepare a 13x9x2 inch pan. (Either grease it or spray with baking spray.)

2. Melt shortening (I use the microwave). Combine with brown sugar and vanilla in large mixing bowl. Set aside to cool.

3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until combined. Set aside.

4. Add eggs to cooled sugar mixture; beat well. Stir in reserved dry ingredients until combined, then stir in chocolate chips.

5. Spread batter into greased pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes (or until top is very lightly browned). Cool completely.

6. Then, option 1: cut into squares. Option 2: spread a can of store-bough vanilla frosting onto top, then cut into squares.