Holiday Peppermint Bars

Crust:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon milk
11/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup milk chocolate chips

Frosting:
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon peppermint flavoring
3 or 4 tablespoons milk
Crushed peppermint candy, optional

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

For the crust, combine sugar, butter and milk in a medium bowl and beat until creamy and well combined. Stir in flour, pecans and baking powder until well-combined. Press into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan and bake 15 to 20 minutes or until light brown.

Sprinkle with chips and let stand 2 minutes. Spread melted chocolate over crust and set aside to cool completely.

To make frosting: Combine confectioners' sugar, butter, cream cheese, salt and peppermint flavoring in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping the bowl often, until partly blended. Add a tablespoon of milk and beat longer. Beat in enough remaining milk to reach desired spreading consistency. Spread on top of cooled chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy, if desired.

Chill 1 hour or set aside several hours for frosting to set up before cutting into desired shapes.

Makes about 4 dozen.