Mud Bars

Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/2 TSP baking soda
1/2 TSP salt
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup softened butter
1 TSP vanilla
1 egg
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
optional: 1/2 cup nuts, some kosher salt, colorful sprinkles

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375. Line 8 x8 pan with foil. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt together. In another bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add the egg and beat well. Gradually add flour mixture. Then stir in 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips, reserving the other 3/4 cup of chips. Add nuts if desired.

Bake about 25 minutes. When dome baking, pour reserved chocolate chips on top evenly. Allow to melt and spread over top. Add either kosher salt for that salty/sweet craving or colored sprinkles. And allow to cool. Cut into bars and enjoy!

My kids love to help make these mud bars. They say the sprinkles make them more festive. When I make them for a more adult palate, I add kosher salt on top- salty/ sweet perfection! There are never leftovers and everyone always asks for the recipe. This is a party mainstay at our house!

Submitted by Gina