Ultimate Turtle Cookie Bars




1 pouch (1 lb. 1.5oz) Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix
1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
1/2 c. coarsely chopped pecans
24 caramels, unwrapped
1 Tbsp. milk
3/4 c. pecan halves
3 Tbsp. semisweet chocolate chips
1 tsp. shortening

Heat oven to 350*. In medium bowl, stir together cookie mix, butter, egg and 1/2 c. chopped pecans until soft dough forms. Press evenly in ungreased 8-inch square pan. Bake 28-33 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat caramels and milk over low heat, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Carefully spread melted caramels evenly over wamr bars; sprinkle with pecan halves. Cool completely on cooling rack, about 1 hour. In small microwaveable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and shortening uncovered on HIGH 30-60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, until melted and smooth. Drizzle over bars. Let stand about 30 minutes or until chocolate is set.