Caramel'n Chocolate Pecan Bars

Caramel'n Pecan Chocolate Bars 

Crust:

2 cups flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup chopped pecans

Caramel Layer:

2/3 cup butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup Ghirardelli double chocolate chips

Heat the oven to 350F. Combine all crust ingredients except pecans in a large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed and particles are fine 2 to 3 minutes.Press the mixture into an ungreased 13 by 9-inch baking pan. Sprinkle pecans over unbaked crust. Combine butter and brown sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a full boil. Boil until candy thermometer reaches 242F about 3 minutes. Pour evenly over pecans and crust. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until caramel layer is bubbly. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with chocolate chips; let stand 2 to 3 minutes. Swirl the chips with a fork. Cool completely and cut into bars. Yields 36 bars.