PREHEAT oven to 350F.
In a 13 X 9-inch baking pan, MELT butter in oven.
SPRINKLE cracker crumbs evenly over melted butter; POUR condensed milk evenly over crumbs.
TOP with chips; PRESS down firmly.
BAKE until lightly browned, about 20 to 25 minutes.
COOL; CUT into bars.
If desired, MELT chocolate chips with shortening; DRIZZLE over bars.
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 2307 Calories; 86g Fat (32.3% calories from fat); 51g Protein; 353g Carbohydrate; 5g Dietary Fiber; 214mg Cholesterol; 952mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 17 Fat; 22 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.