Caramel Macchiato Shortbread Bars Food

CARAMEL SHORTBREAD SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
• In a medium bowl, mix together 2/3 cup butter, white sugar, and flour until evenly crumbly. Press into a 9 inch square baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
• In a 2 quart saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil. Continue to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 3 minutes. Pour over baked crust (warm or cool). Cool until it begins to firm.
• Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, then stir and continue to heat and stir at 20 second intervals until chocolate is melted and smooth. Pour chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly to cover completely. Chill. Cut into 1 inch squares. These need to be small because they are so rich.

CARAMEL CHOCOLATE SHORTBREADS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving about a 2-inch overhang on 2 sides. Spread the coconut in a single layer on a baking sheet and set aside.
• Beat the butter, vanilla and salt with an electric mixer on medium speed in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix on low until just incorporated. Beat in the flour in 2 batches to make a smooth dough.
• Lightly flour your hands and press the dough into the prepared baking pan. Bake the shortbread until the edges are firm and the top is dry, 28 to 30 minutes. Top the shortbread with the caramels in an even layer. Return to the oven along with the baking sheet of coconut and cook, tossing the coconut once, until the caramels are melted and the coconut is golden, about 10 minutes.
• Spray the back of a spoon with cooking spray and use it to spread the caramel all over the shortbread. Sprinkle with the chocolate and let sit until the chips are melted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the toasted coconut and let cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Using the foil overhang as handles, lift the shortbread out of the pan and cut into 12 pieces.

CARAMEL MACCHIATO SHORTBREAD BARS

Steps:

• Dissolve coffee in hot water.
• Beat butter, coffee and sugar until fluffy.
• Stir together flour and toffee bits.
• Mix into butter mixture the flour and toffee bits half a cup at a time until combined.
• Press dough into a 9x13-inch pan.
• Bake in 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until golden.
• Remove from oven and cool in pan.
• Cut into bars and enjoy.

CLASSIC CARAMEL MACCHIATO

Steps:

• Place caramel syrup in the bottom of cup.
• Top with freshly prepared hot espresso.
• Spoon very small amount of foamed milk on top of espresso.
• Avoid getting any milk into espresso if you like it dry.
• You can add just a wee bit of milk otherwise, but not a lot (or it won't be a macchiato anymore!).
• If desired, you can top this with whipped cream, and a little bit of warmed caramel topping (squirted from a squeeze bottle is best).
• Serve at once.

FAMOUS CARAMEL COOKIE BARS

Steps:

• Place shortbread cookies on a baking sheet or tray. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt caramels in water, stirring frequently. Spoon a thin line of caramel over each cookie. Place cookies in refrigerator until caramel is set.
• Line baking sheets or trays with waxed paper. In a double boiler over simmering water, melt chocolate. Dip cookies in chocolate one at a time, tapping against the side of the bowl to remove excess. Place on prepared sheets and let rest at room temperature several hours, until set.