Caramel Fudge Brownies

1 stick unsalted butter
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 additional cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 bag caramels, unwrapped
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Grease an 8 inch square baking pan. Set oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat oven to 350.

In the top of a double boiler over barely simmering water, melt butter and chocolate chips (or microwave, uncovered, on medium, stirring every 20 to 30 seconds after the first minute, until smooth. Set aside to cool.

In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale yellow, about 2 minutes. Thoroughly blend in chocolate mixture, flour and vanilla.

Pour half of the batter into prepared pan and bake 15 minutes. Add the remaining cup of chocolate chips to the remaining batter and set aside.

While the brownies are baking, melt the caramels with the cream over low heat. Spread caramel over baked brownies. Cover caramel with remaining batter. Sprinkle pecans on top.

Return to oven for 20 minutes more. The brownies will jiggle when you remove them from the oven. Don't worry; they will firm up a bit when cool.

Cut the brownies into squares after they've cooled.

Makes 16

AUTHOR: Jerseygirl