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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.
samantha jo campen says
My favorite dessert is my grandmother’s home made chocolate pie. Oh. So good.
samanthajocampen at gmail
Nina Janke says
New York Style Cheesecake is my ultimate favorite dessert for the holidays.
sharonjo says
Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/sharonjo2/status/136658732443635712
sharonjo says
My mom makes a Raspberry Trifle for Christmas that is wonderful. We look forward to it every year. Thanks so much.
Amanda Sakovitz says
http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/136639680832749568
Amanda Sakovitz says
i love chocolate pie!
Cathy says
Coconut cream pie is my all-time favorite. The holidays are the only time I make it, and it’s a good thing too or I’d weigh as much as an actual barn!
Sandra Brower says
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/Allhoneyhere/status/136563320948928513
Sandra Brower says
My Grandmother Olean’s Chocolate Fudge pie.. ohhh makes my mouth water just remembering it. One day I will be brave enough to tackle the recipe myself.
Tina M says
http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/136534792907919361
Tina M says
My favorite holiday dessert is pumpkin pie
Cathy W says
https://twitter.com/#!/cjwallace43/status/136448716570767360
Cathy W says
Pecan pie is probably my holiday favorite as I never think to made it the rest of the year!
grace says
favorite holiday dessert? you must be joking! i’ve randomly drawn out of a hat, and my answer is…white chocolate mint fudge. ๐
Debra C says
My favorite dessert is coconut cake.