Derby Pie Cookie Bars

It's Oaks!

One thing you learn quickly during your first year in Kentucky, is that there exists a whole vocabulary regarding derby (ie: thunder, oaks, fillies, daily double, etc...) I get a lot of funny looks when I ask certain questions regarding derby and now I know to ask Lang in private. 

Here are some of the things I've learned:

- Oaks is the female horse version of Derby

- Oaks & Derby is more than just one race

- It would be wise to know who Pat Day is (comparable to Vince Lombardi and Wisconsin)

- You don't have to wear a hat if you don't want to...but you really should

So we're kicking off Oaks with a family brunch and then are heading to the track around 11. I'm so excited. Lang told me that Aaron Rogers was there last year. I'm alright with that. Go Pack.

Anywho, here's another derby recipe. Something sweet for our sweet friends who are watching LeBron today while were gone. Be warned all my pregnant friends and mamas- it has bourbon in it, but the bourbon can be replaced with vanilla extract. 

These bars are yummy and easy. Enjoy them and may the odds be in your favor!!

Derby Pie Cookie Bars

*these can also be made into cookies

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

12 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup butter, melted

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 egg yolk

2 tablespoons bourbon

2 cups chocolate chips

1 1/4 cups chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 325 degrees and grease a 9x12 baking dish.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and salt. Fluffing together with a fork also works well if you don't have a siv.

In a larger bowl, combine the melted butter and sugars until creamy. Beat in the egg, egg yolk and bourbon until well blended.

Mix in the dry ingredients until just mixed. Stir in the pecans and chocolate chips. Once mixed, evenly spread them in the dish and pop them in the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the middle is set (or test with a toothpick). 

Allow to completely cool (throw them in the fridge after 30 minutes or so to speed up the process). These bars are ooey gooey but the sides rise up a bit. So I like to cut my crust off. It's up to you-- I just would prefer the soft chocolatey goodness :)

Enjoy!