Toffee Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup margarine or butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 14-ounce can (1 1/4 cups) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons margarine or butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 square (1 ounce) unsweetened chocolate
• 2 tablespoons margarine or butter
• 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl beat the 1/2 cup margarine or butter, the sugar, and salt with an electric mixer on medium to high speed till thoroughly combined. Stir in flour. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Bake in a 350° oven about 15 minutes or till edges are lightly browned.
2. In a heavy medium saucepan heat condensed milk and the 2 tablespoons margarine or butter over medium heat till bubbly, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 5 minutes more. (Mixture will thicken and become smooth.) Stir in the 2 teaspoons vanilla. Spread over baked layer. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or till golden.
3. For fudge icing,* in a small saucepan heat chocolate and the 2 tablespoons margarine or butter over low heat well tilted, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in powdered sugar and the 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in enough hot water (1 to 2 tablespoons) to make an icing of pouring consistency. Spread over warm cookies and immediately cut into bars.
4. *Note: To save effort when frosting the cookies, substitute one 6-ounce package semisweet chocolate pieces for the fudge icing. Sprinkle pieces over the cookie immediately after removing from the oven. Let stand for 2 to 3 minutes or till softened. Spread evenly over top. Cool; chill 5 to 10 minutes or till chocolate layer is set. Cut into bars.