Alice Edgerly, Billie’s first mother-in-law, always made Chewies and served ambrosia with them on such special occasions as Thanksgiving and Christmas. This has since become a family tradition for the Van Dyke’s also.
½ cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
1 pound packed light brown sugar
3 eggs
2 cups self-rising flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
Preheat the oven to 325°. In a small saucepan on low heat melt the butter. In a large mixing bowl combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir for 10 minutes. Do NOT over-stir or under stir. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition. Blend in the flour and the vanilla. Beat well. Add the nuts and mix. Pour the batter into a greased 9 × 13-inch pan and bake for 30 to 45 minutes until brown. When ready to serve, cut into squares.
YIELD: 24 SERVINGS