Jeweled Nut Bars

Yields 3 dozen.

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar, divided
3/4 cup cold butter or margarine
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups salted mixed nuts
1 1/2 cups green and red candied cherries, halved
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

In a bowl, combine flour and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, beat egg. Add salt and remaining brown sugar. Stir in nuts, cherries and chocolate chips. Spoon evenly over crust. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.