Salty Caramel & Chocolate Pecan Squares

Chilly weather means that I spend a lot more time inside than usual – something that I secretly enjoy as it usually means a hibernation from the hustle and bustle outdoors, cozy soft cashmere sweaters, plush blankets and of course more time in the kitchen. Happily, I enjoy cooking and baking with some tunes on during these months as it brightens even the most gloomiest of days. And every now and then, the cravings for a snack while watching a favorite TV show is a necessary indulgence. These salty caramel and chocolate pecan squares make for that perfect snack with a favorite cup of tea or even in between meals. What I like about these squares is that they are a nice blend of sweet and salty without being overly salty for there’s just a little sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top – making this recipe an excellent cravings-buster.

Ingredients

Crust

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup salted butter softened

1 cup pecan halves

Caramel Layer

2/3 cup salted butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

Chocolate

1 cup real semi-sweet chocolate chips

Coarse sea salt (Optional)

Directions

* Pre-heat oven at 350. Combine all crust ingredients except pecans in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press onto bottom of ungreased 13×9-inch baking pan. Place pecans evenly over unbaked crust.

* Combine 2/3 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until entire surface of mixture begins to boil. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Pour mixture evenly over pecans and crust.

* Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until entire caramel layer is bubbly. (Make sure to NOT OVERBAKE.) Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips; allow to melt slightly. Swirl melted chips over the top. Top with coarse sea salt. Cool completely. Cut into squares.