Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars

I should have put these here before now, because they are one of my best friend's favorites, but I am a little slow sometimes. These are great, tasty bar cookies, easy to make and friendly for people who can't have eggs. I also usually leave the nuts out for my Benjamin's sake. Thanks for asking for the recipe Mischa!

1 cup butter softened
2 cups flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
1/2 Cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/3 cup raspberry jam

Beat butter, flour, brown sugar and salt until well mixed. It will be crumbly.

Press 2 cups of this mixture into a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes

While it is baking, combine the sweetened condensed milk and half of the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir the mixture until it is smooth, well combined and the chips are all melted. (Microwave for 15 seconds more at a time as necessary to get it all melted)

Spread chocolate mixture over the hot crust, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top, and top with remaining chocolate chips, nuts if desired and teaspoons of the raspberry jam.

Return pan to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes more.

Cool and cut into bars.

TIP: A plastic knife is the best for cutting these bars and brownies too! It doesn't break up the top like a metal knife does.