Preheat oven to 350.

For filling, combine chocolate pieces and condensed milk in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat until chocolate melts, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in walnuts and vanilla.

Press about two-thirds of the Basic Dough into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Spread with filling. Dot remaining dough over the filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes 36.

To store, place bars in layers separated by waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

NOTE: If you can't find mint-flavor chocolate pieces, combining semisweet chocolate pieces and 1/4 teaspoon mint flavoring works to flavor these scrumptious bars.

Mint chocolate candies, 1/2 cup, can be used with 1 cup plain chocolate chips.

If you don't like mint, 1 1/2 cups of just chocolate chips make a good bar.


Basic Dough Recipe

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon.

To store, pack dough into an airtight container. Refigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.