Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars

Ingredients

 * 1/2 	cup	Sugar
 * 2 	tbsp	butter or margarine
 * 2 	tbsp	water
 * 2 	cups	(12-oz pkg) HERSHEY'S semi-sweet chocolate Chips, divided
 * 2 	eggs
 * 1 	tsp	vanilla extract
 * 2/3 	cup	all-purpose flour
 * 1/4 	tsp	baking soda
 * 1 	cup	pecan pieces
 * 1/4 	tsp	salt
 * Classic caramel topping (recipe follows)

Directions

 * 1) Heat oven to 350 °F. Line 9-inch square baking pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan; grease and flour foil.


 * 1) Combine Sugar, butter and water in medium saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils.


 * 1) Remove from heat; immediately add 1 cup chocolate chips, stirring until melted. Beat in eggs and vanilla until well blended.


 * 1) Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; stir into chocolate mixture. Spread batter into prepared pan.


 * 1) Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Meanwhile, prepare CLASSIC CARAMEL TOPPING.


 * 1) Remove brownies from oven; immediately and carefully spread with prepared topping. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup chips and pecans over topping.


 * 1) Cool completely in pan on wire rack, being careful not to disturb chips while soft.


 * 1) Cut into bars. About 16 bars.

Classic caramel topping

 * 1) Remove wrappers from 25 HERSHEY'S CLASSIC caramels.


 * 1) Combine 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, caramels and 2 tablespoons milk in medium microwave-safe bowl.


 * 1) Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 minute; stir.


 * 1) Microwave an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, or until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred.


 * 1) Use immediately.