Caramel and chocolate shortbread bars

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From: "The Authentic Mexican Kitchen"
http://www.theauthenticmexicankitchen.com/recipes/caramel-chocolate-shortbread-bars.html#.Uj2lscZwrK0

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Ingredients

  • For the shortbread layer:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 cup butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • For the Caramel Layer
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • For the chocolate layer:
  • 8 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp. light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces

Preparation

Step 1

To make the shortbread layer
Preheat the oven to 325° F. (160C)
Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a small bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt.
Stir with a fork to blend, and set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until well blended, about 1-2 minutes.
With the mixer on low speed blend in the dry ingredients just until incorporated.
Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and press in an even layer over the bottom of the pan.
Bake 15-18 minutes or until golden. (If the crust puffs up a bit while baking, just gently press it down while it is cooling.)
Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool completely.

To make the caramel layer
Combine the butter, sugar, corn syrup and condensed milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted.
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, stirring constantly.
Continue simmering and stirring until the mixture turns an amber color and thickens slightly.
Pour the mixture over the shortbread layer, smooth the top, and allow to cool completely and set.
Chill at this stage to ensure that the caramel layer will not melt when the warm chocolate is added.

To make the chocolate glaze
Combine the chocolate, corn syrup, and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water.
Heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Pour evenly over the caramel layer and use an offset spatula to smooth the top.
Chill, covered, until ready to slice and serve.

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