PORTUGUESE WALNUT SQUARES

Portuguese Walnut Squares image

Provided by bmorrow

Time 35m

Yield 16 squares, 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup softened butter (not runny or whipped)
1 tablespoon softened butter (for glaze)
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
6 tablespoons flour
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons milk
6 tablespoons port wine (Tawney or Ruby or Madeira, divided)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 cups walnuts (divided)
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 dash salt

Steps:

Cream butter and sugar using electric mixer, if available.
Add egg and beat well.
Add vanilla, milk, and 2 Tbsp of port.
Grind or grate, chop very fine, or whirl in blender 1 cup nuts.
Place in mixing bowl.
Add dry ingredients and stir.
Fold in butter/egg mixture to make a batter; do not over-beat.
Spoon into a lightly buttered and floured 9 inches square pan.
Bake in moderate oven 350F 15-20 min or until cake tests done.
As soon as the cake is removed from the oven, brush top with 2-3 Tbsp of port.
Cool to room temperature.
Mix well confectioners sugar, salt, 1 Tbsp softened butter, and 1 Tbsp of port, or enough to obtain a glaze of spreading consistancy. Tint a light pink with a little red food coloring.
Spread cake with glaze.
Sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
Set until firm.
Cut into 16 squares.