After the shortbread is readied it gets a layer of caramel made up of diminish dull hued sugar, spread and cream. If you thought caramel made with white sugar and water was incredible (and it is) get ready to go out from the intensity of the caramel revelation you will have. It's excessively smooth and rich with genuine dull shaded sugar taste. UGH. I can't manage it. I understand I sound like an infomercial have for caramel, anyway really, if that was a real occupation and it suggested I got the chance to eat this caramel all day.....I would start tomorrow.
After you mass out about the caramel (it can't just be me), the last layer is a coffee filled chocolate ganache and a liberal sprinkle of sea salt. In case coffee isn't your thing, you can without a doubt let only it for both the shortbread and the chocolate and have some comparatively incredible caramel shortbread bars. Or on the other hand include some orange get-up-and-go to the shortbread and ganache for a little citrus thang. You can cut these as huge or little as you need and wrap them up as ace enrichments, stocking stuffers or i'm-focused on this-caramel-basically eat-it-and-agree with me endowments. Essentially help yourself out and cause a second look for gold to have treat needs.
- Shortbread:
- 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp. instant coffee
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- Caramel:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
- Chocolate:
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp. instant coffee
- sea salt, optional
- Preheat oven to 350. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
- In the bowl of stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape the bowl. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and beat to combine.
- In a small bowl, combine the instant coffee with just enough water to dissolve it and form a thick paste, about 1/2 tsp. Add the dissolved coffee to the shortbread and mix well. Add the flour and salt and mix until just combined.
- Press the shortbread into an even layer in the prepared pan. This can be done with floured fingertips or a small rolling pin. I think the easiest way is to press it down with your fingers, place another piece of parchment over it and use a small rolling pin or your palm to make it extra smooth. Pierce the crust with a fork all over.
- Bake the crust 25-30 minutes until golden brown and just beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Once the crust is baked, make the caramel. Place the butter, cream and sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until smooth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil and cook, without stirring, until it reaches 240 on a candy thermometer. I actually like to pull it a few degrees earlier because by the time I get my shizz together enough to pour it into the pan it will have reached 240 exactly.
- Pour the caramel on top of the shortbread and tilt pan as necessary to create an even layer. Cool for 10 minutes then place in the freezer and chill for 20 minutes.
- Once the caramel is firm, place the chocolate chips and cream in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth. Add the instant coffee and stir to dissolve. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel and use a spatula or knife to smooth it out. Let chill until the chocolate is firm. Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired.
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