Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

unsalted butter

pecan halves

pecan pieces

kosher or coarse sea salt

all-purpose flour

unsweetened cocoa powder (like Hershey's)

powdered sugar

cold butter or vegetable shortening (like Crisco)

semi-sweet chocolate chips

firmly packed brown sugar

heaping tablespoon of all purpose flour

large eggs , lightly beaten

light corn syrup

vanilla

bourbon , optional

unsalted butter , softened at room temperature