JEWEL NUT BARS

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup packed brown sugar, divided use
3/4 cup cold butter or margarine
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups salted mixed nuts
1 1/2 cups halved green and red candied cherries
1 (6 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.

In a bowl, combine flour and 1/3 cup brown sugar; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into prepared baking pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, beat egg. Add salt and remaining 1/3 cup brown sugar. Stir in the nuts, cherries and chocolate chips. Spoon evenly over crust.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Cut into bars.

"These colorful bars, with the eye-catching appeal of candied cherries and the crunchy goodness of mixed nuts, are certain to become a holiday favorite year after year. I get lots of compliments on the rich, chewy crust and the combination of sweet and salty flavors." - Joyce Fitt, Listowel, Ontario

Makes 3 dozen
Source: Quick Cooking magazine; November/December 1998