Dessert Party Recipes: Turtle Bars

Turtle Bars*

Turtle bars are becoming a holiday must in our family [or maybe just with me]. They are so simple to make and so yummy. My mom found this recipe several years back in a magazine, but I am not sure which one [or I would give credit where credit is due].

TURTLE BARS

Crust:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup unsalted butter

Caramel:
3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup unsalted butter
3 tablespoons whipping cream

1 cup pecan halves, toasted
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Procedure:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together flour, sugar and butter until well blended and crumbly
Press mixture evenly into an ungreased 9 x 13 x 2 metal pan
Bake until golden brown (about 15 mins.)
Maintain oven temperature
Bring remaining sugar, butter and cream to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves
Boil for one minute, stirring occasionally, and remove from heat
Sprinkle toasted pecans over baked crust
Pour caramel over the pecans
Bake until bubbles form and color darken (about 20 mins.)
Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate
Let stand until chocolate melts; with an offset spatula spread chocolate evenly over top
Chill bars until chocolate sets; cut into 1-inch squares to serve

The bars can be served at room temperature, but I really like them refrigerated. Seriously people, you must try these!

*Did you notice the cute little turtles on the serving platter??