Fruitcake Fantasy Brownies

Source: 1997 Pillsbury: Best Cookies Cookbook

1/2 cup butter or margarine
4 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
1/2 teaspoon rum extract
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups diced mixed candied fruit
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch pan.

In large saucepan, melt butter and chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add sweetened condensed milk and rum extract; blend well. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour, baking powder and salt; mix well. Stir in candied fruit and pecans. Spread in prepared pan.

Bake for 28 to 36 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 1 hour or until completely cooled. Cut into bars.

Yields 36 brownies.