English Toffee

This is another recipe from my mother-in-law. She makes these every Christmas: little bar cookies with a shortbread base that's topped with melted chocolate. Very addictive.

• 1 c. butter
• 1 egg
• 1 c. brown sugar
• 1 t. vanilla
• 2 c. flour (sifted)
• 1 c. chocolate chips ("real" chocolate)
• chopped nuts, optional--about 1/2 cup

Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy; add egg and vanilla and mix well. Stir in flour. Press into 15x11-inch pan. Bake 12 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Return to the oven for a minute or two to melt the chocolate. Remove pan and spread chocolate over top. Sprinkle with nuts if desired. Cut while warm into 1x2-inch squares.