CHOCOLATE NUT BARS

CHOCOLATE NUT BARS image

Yield 4 dz

Number Of Ingredients 14

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For the Base:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
8 oz. (16 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter
3/4 cup blanched, sliced, and toasted almonds
For the Topping:
4 oz. (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 packed cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 4 1/2 teaspoons bourbon
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped bittersweet chocolate or chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups chopped, toasted walnuts

Steps:

FOR THE BASE: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. In a food processor, combine the flour and sugar. Cut the butter into 1-inch pieces and put it on top of the flour mixture. Add the almonds and pulse to blend until the butter pieces are the size of a pea. Press the mixture into the buttered pan. Bake for 25 minutes, until the edges are beginning to color. FOR THE TOPPING: In an electric mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla and then beat in the flour and salt, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add the chopped chocolate and nuts and mix just to incorporate. Spread the topping over the crust and bake for another 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown. The bars should be firm to the touch. TO SERVE: Let the bars cool before cutting.