Holy Crap Bars

Okay, they are actually called chocolate chip toffee bars, but HOLY CRAP they are good! We made these tonight, the recipe is from my Hershey cookbook but I've seen it posted all over the web so I think I am not violating any copyrights.

2 1/3 c flour
2/3 c packed brown sugar
3/4 c butter or margarine
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (I used pecans)
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 1/3 cups Heath toffee bits

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13" baking pan.

1. Combine flour and sugar in large bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg, mix well. Stir in 1 1/2 c of the chocolate chips and the chopped nuts. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the mixture.
2. Press remaining mixture on the bottom of the greased baking pan, and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Pour condensed milk over hot crust. Set aside 1/4 cup of the toffee bits, sprinkle the remainder over the condensed milk. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture and the reserved chocolate chips over top of the toffee.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle the reserved toffee chips over top. Let cool and cut into bars.

Jen's mom's chocolate chip cookies

This recipe comes from my childhood best friend's mother. We made them all the time. I've kept the recipe since I was little. My mom uses it and I do too. I have the recipe memorized. Carlos loves these cookies and if I ever try a different chocolate chip cookie recipe he calls me on it! I hardly ever share this recipe.

1 C shortening (do NOT use butter or margarine)
3 eggs
2 t vanilla
1 C white sugar
1 C firmly packed brown sugar
1 t salt
1 t baking soda
2 C white flour
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
1 C chopped walnuts, if desired

Preaheat oven to 375. Cream shortening, eggs, sugar and vanilla in mixer until nearly white. (VERY IMPORTANT!!!) Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix on very low speed until blended then mix 1 minute on medium. Mix in chocolate chips and walnuts if desired. Drop in rounded teaspoons onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake ~ 10 mins or until cookies are golden brown.