Congo Bars

Heat oven to 350.

Lightly butter a 9- by 13-inch glass baking dish , reserving butter wrapper.

Set aside.

Sift together the flour , baking powder , and salt.

Set aside.

Using a wooden spoon , beat butter and sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy , about 2 minutes.

Add vanilla and eggs , one at a time , mixing well after each addition.

Add sifted flour mixture , and mix until just combined.

Add chopped nuts and chocolate , and mix to combine.

Place the dough in the prepared baking dish.

Using the reserved butter wrapper , spread dough evenly.

Bake until golden brown and a cake tester comes out clean , about 30 minutes.

Remove to rack to cool slightly before cutting , about 20 minutes.

Using a serrated knife , cut into 18 bars.

Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.

This recipe yields 18 two-and-one-quarter-inch bars.

all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, pure vanilla extract, eggs, pecans, semisweet chocolate