Fudge Topped Shortbread Food

MINI FUDGE BITES

Steps:

• For the fudge: Spray a 9-by-9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides so the fudge can be easily removed.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter and salt. Bring to just short of boiling over medium heat, until the mixture is loose and the chocolate chips are melted, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the walnuts and vanilla using a wooden spoon.
• Pour the hot mixture into the prepared baking dish and refrigerate until cool and set, about 2 hours. Then, using a 1-inch square cookie cutter, cut the fudge into cubes.
• For the cookies: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the cookie dough from its packaging and transfer to a lightly floured surface; roll to 1/4 inch thick. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and parbake for 10 to 11 minutes.
• Using the 1-inch square cookie cutter, cut the parbaked cookies and return to the prepared baking sheet. Bake the cookies until they are lightly golden around the edges, 5 to 6 minutes. If they have puffed up and lost their shape, use the same cookie cutter to punch out the cookies again while they are still warm, for cleaner edges. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.
• For the assembly and decorations: In a medium bowl, combine the royal icing with gel food color and mix until completely incorporated. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a round number 2 tip. Pipe a dab of the royal icing onto the center of each cookie and adhere a cube of fudge on top. Decorate each fudge bite with more royal icing then top with a candied violet. Transfer to a platter to serve.

OLD-FASHIONED CHOCOLATE FUDGE

Steps:

• Grease an 8x8 inch square baking pan. Set aside.
• Combine sugar, cocoa and milk in a medium saucepan. Stir to blend, then bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer. Do not stir again.
• Place candy thermometer in pan and cook until temperature reaches 238 degrees F(114 degrees C). If you are not using a thermometer, then cook until a drop of this mixture in a cup of cold water forms a soft ball. Feel the ball with your fingers to make sure it is the right consistency. It should flatten when pressed between your fingers.
• Remove from heat. Add butter or margarine and vanilla extract. Beat with a wooden spoon until the fudge loses its sheen. Do not under beat.
• Pour into prepared pan and let cool. Cut into about 60 squares.

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.

ALMOND FUDGE TOPPED SHORTBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• In a large mixer bowl,beat margarine,sugar and salt until fluffy.
• Add flour and mix well.
• With floured hands,press evenly into greased 13x9 inch pan.
• Bake 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.
• In a heavy saucepan over low heat,melt chips with eagle brand,stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and stir in extract.
• Spread evenly over shortbread.
• Garnish with almonds,press down firmly.
• Chill 3 hours or until firm.
• Cut into bars.

FUDGE-TOPPED SHORTBREAD

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar and salt until fluffy. Gradually beat in flour. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 16-20 minutes or until lightly browned.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine condensed milk and chocolate chips. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-2 minutes or until chips are melted; stir until smooth. Stir in extract. Spread over the shortbread. Sprinkle with almonds and press down. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into squares.