Salted Caramel Shortbread Bars

I cannot believe I am finishing the last class of my college career. It seems like I was just graduating high school. It is a very bittersweet feeling. I am very excited about the future, don't get me wrong. I am also sad to be ending another chapter in my life. It is also hard to leave my school, when I see its rapid and constant expansion. I must say, the senioritis is definitely starting to kick in. I am very glad that I do not have to take a final in my last class. It would be very difficult for me, at this point.

I decided I wanted to reward myself for all of my hard work. I love Twix bars, so when I found this recipe, I knew I just had to make them. They are very rich and indulgent, which is perfect for a little graduation treat. They have a shortbread crust, which can turn out very crumbly (if your ingredients are not measured correctly). They are then, layered with silky smooth caramel and rich milk chocolate. I decided to top the bars with a touch of sea salt. I am currently obsessed with sweet/salty foods. I love the depth the sea salt adds to the bars. It really brings out their caramelized flavor. I hope you give these bars a try, when you too would like to reward yourself. They are so decadent, and better than any store-bought Twix bar.

You will need:

Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees, and spray a 9x13in pan/baking dish with non stick cooking spray.

Beat together: butter, sugar and vanilla

Measure flour by scooping with a scooper, to prevent from using too much flour.

Sift flour, and add to sugar mixture

press shortbread dough into the bottom of the baking dish. Prick the dough allover

with a fork, to prevent air bubbles and uneven baking.

Bake for 35-40 min until crust is golden brown. Allow crust to cool completely

before adding caramel layer.

Chop up caramel into cubes. (You can also use the store-bought caramels)

melt caramel and cream slowly, on a double boiler.

Once caramel is smooth, remove from heat and pour over cooled crust. Place in refrigerator

for 30 minutes or until set.

place chocolate chips in a microwaveable dish. Microwave chocolate in 30 second intervals,

stirring between each interval. You can also melt the chocolate in a double boiler.

Pour melted chocolate over caramel layer, and spread to cover bars. (optional: sprinkle sea salt over chocolate)

Place bars back into the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to set. Allow bars to come to room temperature before cutting them.

#saltedcaramel #bars