Instructions: "Easy to cut and lovely after removing from the freezer and cutting," Lois Lesser advises. If theyre not totally cold, she adds,

"They live up to their name of Ugly Bars. " Dont alter size of the baking pan, she says.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 12-by-18 inch sheet pan with sides.

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla, cocoa and melted chocolate; beat well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In another bowl, lightly stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt to mix. Add to chocolate mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating just until combined. Stir in sauerkraut, raisins, pecans and chocolate chips.

Spread batter in prepared pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Note: Use real butter or stick margarine. Do not substitute reduced-fat spreads; their higher water content often yields less-satisfactory results.

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