ALMOND COOKIE BARS

3/4 cup quick-cooking oats

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar, divided

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 egg, beaten

1 tbsp milk

1/2 tsp almond extract

1 pkg (6-oz) semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup finely chopped pecans, divided

In a medium mixing bowl combine the oats, 1/2 cup of the brown sugar, butter, flour, egg, milk, and almond extract.  Stir the chocolate chips and half the pecans into the oat mixture.

Spread the mixture evenly in a lightly buttered 8-inch square glass baking dish.

Microwave on high for 3 minutes; rotate dish if not using a turntable. Cook another 3 to 5 minutes or until the sugar topping is melted.

Cool completely before cutting into squares.

Store in an airtight container.

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