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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.
Sarah W says
I have tweeted: https://twitter.com/bitsybitsybitsy/status/136236879103262720
Sarah W says
My favorite is my famous pumpkin bread!
Katelyn says
Pecan pie is my favorite! I’ll definitely have to try these bars!
Carmen says
Around Thanksgiving, it would have to be pumpkin pie – probably because I only eat it once a year.
BM says
Pumpkin pie.
Rose says
Favorite holiday dessert? That’s tough to choose, but probably pecan pie!
Dazzled says
How boring am I? My favorite is good old pumpkin pie! Though i love to make many other things to try as well!
Dee says
tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/DeeGee13/status/135642774631481344
Dee says
My favorite holiday dessert is pumpkin pie! ๐
Carole013 says
Double oven envy for me too. Not much room for sides when the oven is full of turkey(s). Favorite meal – Leftovers! Turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce between slices of bread and smothered with gravy for lunch the next day. Yum!
Roxanne says
My favorite Thanksgiving dessert is Banana Split Cake. I have to make 2 of them every year everyone loves them so much!!
Linda Taylor says
I tweeted:
Win 100.00 http://www.tasteandtellblog.com/2011/11/herb-roasted-turkey-breast/#comment-27225
7 minutes agovia web
Linda Taylor says
How can I pick just one favorite dessert?? I gues it would be my apricot nectar cake!
Tammy Sweeney says
Being from the south of course Pecan pie is always a favorite and banana pudding…this year though I’m borrowing a great recipe for a Key Lime Cake….soooo good
Schmidty says
Italian Cream Cake!