Toffee Topped Bars

Makes: 24 bars

2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup flaked coconut (optional)
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan, set aside. In large mixing bowl, mix together brown sugar and flour. Using pastry center or two knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Remove 1 cup of mixture and set aside. To mixture in large bowl, add baking powder and salt. Using a fork, lightly beat in vanilla, milk and egg. Continue beating until a smooth batter forms. Pour batter into prepared baking pan. In small bowl, combine the chocolate chips and walnuts. Fold in the coconut. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over top of batter in pan. Bake bars for 35 minutes, or until skewer inserted in center comes out clean. Transfer pan to a wire rack. Cool bars in pan completely before slicing. Using a serrated knife, cut into 24 bars. Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.