Chocolate Toffee Gems

Not only are these scrumptious, but I truly think it was these bars that led to the conception of my son, and the reason why he was 2 weeks late! (Even as a neo-nate, his chocolate gene was full-blown!) Try them...and see if they mark a milestone in your life:)

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Yields: 35 1inch bars

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup butter, softened
• 3⁄4 cup  firmly packed light brown sugar or 3⁄4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1⁄3 cup granulated sugar
• 2  eggs, slightly beaten
• 2  teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (10 ounce) bag  toffee pieces
• 1⁄2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1⁄2 cups  semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350*F.
2. Grease a 13x9" baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
3. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
4. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the butter and both sugars until creamy.
5. Add the eggs and vanilla; blend until smooth.
6. Gradually stir in the flour mixture, then the toffee bits, reserving a handful for garnishing.
7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan; bake for 35-40 minutes.
8. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
9. Combine the condensed milk and chocolate chips in a small saucepan.
10. Cook and stir over low heat until the chocolate has melted.
11. Spread the mixture on top of the bars; sprinkle with remaining toffee bits.
12. When the frosting has set, cut into 1" bars.