Fudge Bars with Pecan Crumble

Fudge Bars with Pecan Crumble

10 T. butter
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped pecans, toasted
10 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

Bring the butter to room temperature.  In a bowl, beat the butter, sugar and egg yolk with an electric mixer until smooth.  Add the flour, baking powder and salt and beat at low speed until thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes.  Using your hands, knead once or twice to bring the dough together.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees if using a glass or light colored pan.  Preheat to 325 degrees if using a dark colored pan.  Butter a 9" square baking pan.  Pat three-fourths of the dough into the baking pan.  In a bowl, beat the pecans into the remaining dough.  Crumble the pecan mixture on a plate.  Refrigerate the crust and the topping for 10 minutes.

In a saucepan, combine the chocolate and condensed milk and stir over low heat until melted and very thick, about 3 minutes.  Spread the chocolate filling over the dough in the pan.  Scatter the pecan crumble over the chocolate.  Bake in the lower third of the oven for 40 - 45 minutes or until the top is golden.  Let cool completely.  Cut into bars and serve.