Fudgy Salted Caramel Shortcakes Food

SALTED CARAMEL FUDGE

Steps:

• Line a 20 x 20cm cake tin with baking parchment. Tip the sugar, cream, butter and glucose syrup into a large pan. Warm over a low heat to dissolve the sugar and melt the butter, stirring occasionally.
• When the sugar has dissolved, put a sugar thermometer in the mixture, making sure the end is completely covered by the syrup - if it's not, transfer the mixture to a smaller pan that's still large enough for the syrup to bubble. Turn up the heat to medium-high and bring the syrup to the boil, stirring occasionally to stop it catching. When the thermometer reaches 116C - or 'soft ball' stage, remove the pan from the heat.
• Leave the mixture to stand, undisturbed, for 5 mins, until the temperature drops to 110C, then stir in the vanilla bean paste and a good pinch of salt.
• Remove the thermometer, then vigorously beat the mixture with a wooden spoon, checking the temperature every minute or so until it drops again to about 60C. By this time, the mixture will be really thick and have lost its glossy shine. Take the thermometer out and continue beating the mixture for a few more minutes. This part is crucial as it helps create small sugar crystals that give the fudge its smooth, creamy texture.
• Quickly pour the fudge mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the surface using a spatula. Dot the caramel over the top, and swirl it through the fudge using a skewer. Sprinkle with 1 tsp sea salt, then leave to cool overnight at room temperature - don't put it in the fridge, as it will become sticky and won't set properly. Cut into 36 bite-sized pieces. Will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two months.

SALTED CARAMEL SHORTBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, then line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on 2 sides; butter the parchment.
• Beat 2 1/2 sticks butter, the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to low; add the flour and beat until just incorporated.
• Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish and set a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface. Press into an even layer, then peel off the plastic. Bake until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool slightly, then remove from the pan using the parchment. Cut into triangles.
• Make the caramel: Combine the remaining 1/2 stick butter, the brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, espresso powder and kosher salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer registers 235 degrees F, about 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla and the vinegar. Let cool 5 minutes, then drizzle over the shortbread. Sprinkle with sea salt.

FUDGY CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Oil a 23cm round cake tin, then line the base with baking parchment.
• Whizz the chocolate into small pieces in a food processor. Tip the flour, sugar, cocoa, oil, soured cream, eggs, vanilla, dissolved coffee and 100ml hot water into a large mixing bowl. Whisk everything together with electric beaters until smooth, then quickly stir in the whizzedup chocolate bits. Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 50 mins-1 hr until risen and springy to the touch. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool.
• To make the icing, beat the butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the icing sugar, cocoa and a drop of milk, and beat until creamy. Beat in more milk, if necessary, to loosen the icing to a spreadable consistency. Spread the icing over the top of the cake and sprinkle with crumbled Flake. The cake can be kept in an airtight container for 1-2 days.