Chocolate Marbled Pear Bars

Today’s Saturday Sweet is made with pears.  Pears are not as commonly used in baked goods as are apples.  I don’t know why, they certainly are every bit as good.  I am trying to remedy that by posting a few recipes from my files for cookies made with pears.

Today’s recipe is for Chocolate Marbled Pear Bars.  This is a cake-like bar filled with chopped pears and walnuts topped by marbled melted chocolate chips.  Pears and chocolate really do make a great combination.

The original recipe which I clipped from our local newspaper many years ago used drained, canned pears.  I prefer to use ripe fresh pears when they are in season but do used the canned ones when fresh pears are out of season. I don't limit my self to using Bartlett pears so use other varieties also.  They all work well.

Chocolate Marbled Pear Bars
2 cans (1 lb. ea.)  Bartlett pear halves or 3 to 4 medium to large pears
1 c. butter
2/3 c. granulated sugar
2/3 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
2 1/2 c. sifted flour
1 T. baking powder
1/2 c. chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
1/2 c. chocolate chips, melted

If using canned pears, drain well.  Chop pears into about 1/2-inch dice.  Melt butter in a large saucepan or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave.  Add sugars and mix well.  Stir in the eggs and vanilla; mix well.  Combine flour and baking powder.  Stir into liquid mixture.  Fold in pears and walnuts.  Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.  Drizzle melted chocolate over the batter and marble with a knife.  Bake at 350 degrees about 40 minutes.  Cool and cut into bars.  Makes about 3 dozen.

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