Salted Caramel Turtle Fudge Food

SALTED CARAMEL TURTLE FUDGE BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing two of the sides to overlap. Spray the parchment - and any exposed pan - with non-stick baking spray; set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, beat the butter, vanilla extract, confectioners' sugar, and salt until light and fluffy; about 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually beat in the flour, mixing just until combined. The mixture will be a little crumbly.
• Dump the mixture into the prepared pan and spread (or press firmly, if need be) it into an even layer. Bake for 14 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Set aside to cool while you prepare the fudge topping.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped chocolate, sweetened condensed milk and butter. Microwave, uncovered, on low, in 30 second increments, stirring in between each increment, until the chocolate is completely melted; stir mixture smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. Spread mixture over the shortbread, smoothing with a spatula into an even layer. Pour salted caramel on top of the chocolate mixture, then sprinkle with the toasted pecans. Refrigerate until firm; about 2 hours. Cut into small squares and serve.

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.