Okay, so it’s not really for dinner, but you could serve it after dinner.  Too much of a stretch for my theme?  It’ll have to do for this week.  I have a few new recipes to try, I just haven’t tried them yet.  It’s been a little crazy here with everyone sick.

These yummy bars won’t let you down though.  I’ve taken them a few places to share with friends and they always get gobbled up – much to the dismay of the kids who were looking for leftovers.  If chocolate is what you crave, this one will do it for you.

Chocolate-Toffee Bars

1 cup butter, softened, divided
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar, divided
1 egg yolk
1-1/2 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 pkg (8 squares) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line 13×9 inch baking pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan (they mean it, you’ll use these ends as handles later).  Lightly grease foil; set aside.  Beat 3/4 cup each of the butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.  Blend in egg yolk.  Add flour and salt, mix well.  Place in prepared pan, press firmly onto bottom to form crust.  Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, place remaining 1/4 cup each butter and brown sugar, the corn syrup, whipping cream and vanilla in a large microwavable bowl.  Microwave on High for 4 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes; set aside.  Cool crust slightly on wire rack.  Spread butter mixture evenly over crust.

Bake an additional 18 to 20 minutes or until set.  Sprinkle with chopped chocolate.  Continue baking 1 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is melted; spread chocolate evenly over dessert.  Sprinkle with pecans.  Cool completely.  Refrigerate 30 minutes or until chocolate is firm.  Remove dessert from pan, using foil handles.  Cut into 36 bars or diamond shapes.  Store in tightly covered container at room temperature.

It’s pretty easy.  I do have a suggestion, don’t let it set overnight.  I let mine set overnight the first time.  Bad idea – WAY to hard to cut.

I found this recipe after searching and searching for chocolate-toffee bars.  I ultimately decided to try this one truthfully because it looked the simplest and the photo matched what my mind was looking for.  It’s on the Kraft Foods website.

Go have some dessert!

Manda