Blond Brownies with Chocolate Chips

1/3 C. (2/3 stick) butter

1/3 C. solid vegetable shortening

2 C. packed brown sugar

2 eggs

2 t. vanilla extract

2 C. flour

1 t. baking powder

1/4 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

1 C. chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350° F (325° F. if using glass pan).

In medium saucepan, melt butter and shortening over medium heat. Add brown sugar, mix until sugar is melted then remove from heat. When slightly cool, add eggs and vanilla.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and add to butter mixture. Mix well.

Spread into 13-by-9-inch pan, then sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired.

Bake in preheated oven 25 to 30 minutes; bars will be browned around edges and may appear still moist in center. Cool in pan on rack, then cut into bars.