Recipe: Extra Fudgy Raspberry Swirl Bars

Extra Fudgy Raspberry Swirl Bars
Source: Land 'O Lakes
Makes 36

2 cups semi-sweet real chocolate chips
3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup raspberry preserves*
Powdered sugar -- if desired

Heat oven to 350F.

Melt chocolate chips and butter in 2-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth (5 to 8 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in sugar and vanilla. Stir in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in flour and salt. Mix just until flour is moistened. Spread batter into greased 13x9-inch baking pan.

Drop spoonfuls of preserves on batter in the corners and around edge of pan. Gently pull knife through batter and preserves towards center for swirled effect. (DO NOT OVER SWIRL.)

Bake for 33 to 38 minutes or until bars just begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely. Cut into bars. Sprinkle powdered sugar over bars, if desired.

*Substitute orange marmalade or your favorite preserves.

TIP: Stir 3/4 cup white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips or 3/4 cup chopped nuts into batter.