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I’m often found in the kitchen talking to myself. I like to think it makes me “cute” instead of “crazy.” My husband, however, doesn’t let me hold on to that illusion for long. I get some pretty strange looks and, if we’re being honest, a few eye-rolls every now and then.
I can’t help it. I talk when I cook. If no one else is around, then I’ll just talk to myself. I’m a pretty cool girl! I say interesting things! I have some great conversations with me!
I’m sorry. I think my weird may be starting to show. Whoops!
Anyway, one of the things I often converse with myself about is my need for a double oven. This conversation (between me and me) definitely happens more frequently around the holidays. Yes, I’d like a double oven all year round, but at the holidays, it really turns from a want to a need.
Let’s talk food. This Thanksgiving, I’m sure I’ll be making quite a bit of food; while I don’t know for sure what all I’ll make, I do know that these will be on the menu.
Traditional pecan pie is total Thanskgiving food, right? This year, I’m changing things up. Traditional is boring. Let’s live a little.
These bars have a simple shortbread crust, a layer of melted chocolate, and the yummiest, most gooey, caramel pecan topping you can imagine. They pretty much taste like heaven and are beyond simple to make. These took me about 5 minutes to prepare and are just about impossible to screw up. The recipe doubles easily, too!
Chocolate Caramel Pecan Shortbread Bars
Ingredients
For the shortbread:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
For the pecan topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce ice cream topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- In the bowl of your stand mixer beat together the flour, sugar, and butter until it is a coarse, crumbly mixture.
- Dump the mixture into an ungreased 8x8 baking dish and press to form the bottom crust.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
- While the shortbread is baking, beat together the egg, brown sugar, caramel sauce, and pecans. Set aside.
- After 20 minutes remove the shortbread from the oven and sprinkle on the chocolate chips. Wait 1-2 minutes for the chocolate chips to soften and then spread them gently with an off-set spatula to cover the shortbread crust.
- Pour the pecan mixture on top of the chocolate.
- Return to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pecan mixture is set.
- Remove from the oven and immediately run a knife around the edges to prevent the bars from sticking to the side of the baking dish. Let cool completely before cutting and serving.
Stephy says
Oh my! This recipes has some of my fav things. Chocolate, caramel, and pecans, be still my heart!! I am so going to have to try this out.
Marnie says
My favorite holiday dessert is pumpkin cheesecake pie with streusel topping.
Jean Layton says
Favorite dessert has to be pumpkin custard pie. We love it for breakfast too.
Piper says
My best holiday dessert is a Mazine torte…..cookie crust, raspberry jam, almond layer, finished with a lemon glaze. A sprig of holly and a few crystalized cranberries to help witth the “WOW’ factor….
Mary D says
My favorite dessert is stuffing and gravy, no need for turkey, but can be added
Susan Smith says
https://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/138097259136036865
Susan Smith says
My favorite holiday dessert is pecan pie.
George Downey says
Those chocolate carmel pecan shortbread bars looks good, can,t wait ti try them.
CindySue says
My favorite holiday dessert is apple pie.
Amy Tong says
Just tweeted about this giveaway.
https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/137031488045715456
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
My favorite Holiday dessert is my Aunt’s famous Egg Custard Tarts. The custard is velvety and the crust is buttery and flaky! The perfect way to have a sweet ending after the Thanksgiving feast.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Haley Jolley says
Blogged about the giveaway! http://lemonrecipebox.blogspot.com/
Haley Jolley says
Oh, to own a double oven would be divine! My favorite holiday dessert is pumpkin crumble, with some ice cream or whipped cream. Sooooo delicious! Thanks for the giveaway!
tammigirl says
I blogged: http://ifyoucouldseewhatisee.blogspot.com/2011/11/oh-hungry.html
tammigirl says
My favorite holiday dessert is chocolate yum pudding. I always hope my mother is the one making it because she does it best. Yes, I said it Aunt Alice, my mom does it best!