Caramel Espresso Bars Food

CARAMEL ESPRESSO BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350º. Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with non-stick foil or regular foil sprayed with non-stick cooking spray...leave some excess on two sides to assist with removal.
• In a food processor, combine the graham crackers and sugar and process until finely ground. Add the melted butter and blend until well combined.
• Spread the mixture into the bottom of the pan, pressing gently to form an even layer.
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden. Cool for about 15 minutes.
• While the crust is cooling, in a heavy saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of cream, 1 stick of butter, brown sugar, and water.
• Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer registers 240º (mine reached 244º), about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Carefully pour the caramel over the warm crust. Cool for 20 minutes. Freeze until firm, about 10-15 minutes.
• Combine the chocolate chips and cream in a microwave safe bowl and microwave at 30 second increments, stopping and stirring till mixture is melted and smooth. Whisk in the espresso powder.
• Remove the pan from the freezer, and check to see that the caramel has cooled and solidified.
• Pour the chocolate mixture over the caramel layer and smooth with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
• Remove bars from pan using foil. Use knife dipped in hot water and dried to cut bars.

ESPRESSO CARAMELS

Steps:

• Place the nuts in a medium sized, glass or ceramic mixing bowl.
• In a medium, thick-bottomed saucepan heat the cream, espresso powder, and salt until tiny bubbles start forming where the milk touches the pan - just before a simmer. Stir in the honey. Bring the mixture to a boil. Now reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for about 15-20 minutes minutes or until the mixture reaches 260F degrees - hard ball stage. Remove from heat.
• Pour the caramel over the nuts and stir until all the nuts are well coated. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 10 or 15 minutes to allow the caramel to thicken before you attempt to shape it. It is easier to handle this way - not as much spread. Stir one last time and drop by tablespoonful onto a prepared baking sheet (Silpat, parchment-lined, or oiled). Alternately, skip the nut addition and simply spread the (cooled but not set) caramel out on a slab or parchment-lined pan, let it cool completely before cutting into small pieces. Wrap & twist in parchment paper.
• In either case keep the caramels in a cool place (or refrigerate) until completely set.