Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars

I'm on a sweets kick...so sue me! These are rich, delicious and highly addictive. Make them today and you will thank me!

Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup shortening

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp almond extract (optional but highly recommended)

1 1/2 tsp spiced rum (optional but highly recommended)

3/4 cup chocolate chips + more for sprinkling

3/4 cup English toffee bits + more for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 8x8 (or 9x9 for thinner bars) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some to hang over the sides; spray with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a separate bowl or mixer, cream butter, shortening and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix. Add vanilla extract, almond extract and spiced rum. Slowly mix in flour mixture until just incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips and English toffee bits. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. While still warm, sprinkle the extra chocolate chips and toffee bits on top. Let cool completely before removing from pan and slicing into bars. Makes 16 bars.