Candy Coated Chocolates Squares

Candy Coated Chocolates Squares
1 cup hard margarine, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose (plain) flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup candy coated chocolates
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup miniature candy coated chocolates

Preheat oven to 375◦F. Grease or line a 9x13 inch rectangular baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until well mixed. Add the flour, soda, and salt. Stir in the candy coated chocolates and chocolate chips. Spread batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle evenly with miniature candy coated chocolates. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and firm. These bars even cut quite nicely when piping hot, so if you can't wait to dig in, go ahead! They also cut well once cooled. Make these bars quite large, they are fairly thin (and yummy).

I call these candy coated chocolates squares because I don't like to be partial to brand names, but I think it is obvious the two major brand name candies I am referring to (either one will work in this recipe). I found a bag of candy coated chocolates in the cupboard, and decided to use them up before they got forgotten (surprisingly, we don't eat a lot of candy straight from the bag). I was in the mood for making a pan of squares (yet again), so I looked up some recipes. I found a few different, some with coconut, nuts, peanut butter, and other goodies, but I opted for something simple. This is the recipe I developed from looking at others. It is very easy and quick, and the base for the bars is quite good. I also added in some chocolate chips for an extra kick of chocolate, but butterscotch or white chocolate chips or nuts could be used as well.