Derby Pie Bars

Dear Friends,

This is a terrific recipe for your next get together or party, a potential hit with all guests!

Ingredients
For the shortbread crust

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the filling

12 tablespoons (1 + 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons bourbon or whiskey (or more to taste)

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts

Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°.
To make the crust, combine the powdered sugar, flour, and salt In the bowl of a food processor. Add cubes of butter and pulse until it resembles coarse cornmeal. (You can also use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter. Whatever is easiest for you.)

Firmly pat the mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Bake the crust for about 20 to 23 minutes until just lightly golden.
To make the filling, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, flour, salt, and bourbon and continue to mix until well combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.

Pour batter over partially baked crust. Bake until filling is set and the top is light golden brown, approximately 25 minutes.

Allow bars to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into 2-inch squares (or desired size). Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Bars will keep in an airtight container for at least a week.

Yield 24 2-inch squares
Recipe from The Kitchn