Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Tuesdays With Dorie 30: Caramel Crunch Bars



I've never really thought of myself as a caramel lover.  My mum and S on the other hand, start salivating just hearing the word.  I certainly wouldn't say that I dislike caramel- I do actually really like it, but to me it's not an attention grabber.  So when Whitney of What's left on the table? chose this week's recipe, I wasn't all that fussed on it.  Their name is a little deceiving though- there isn't that much caramel involved, and if need be, it can easily be withheld. 



Since joining Tuesdays with Dorie, I have come across many ingredients that I have never heard of (whoppers etc), so it came as no surprise that I had no idea what Heath Toffee Bits were.  I ended up just making up a batch of my own English Toffee, and chopping it into small pieces.  Unfortunately I didn't boil the toffee long enough, and while it had a nice crunch to begin with, by the end it was a little too tacky to chew.  I'm not sure what Heath Toffee Bits taste like, but if I were to make these again, I would definitely leave out the toffee bits on top and would maybe replace them with some Valrhona crunchy pearls instead.



The biscuit base is absolutely delicious.  It is sinfully good.  It's hard to believe that a biscuit could be so buttery.  I ended up cutting the biscuit slab into tiny squares, just because it really is that rich.  I've become quite fond of my freezer lately, so I've popped them all in there to take out as I need.  I found a chocolate and gingerbread cake in my freezer the other day (from a previous Tuesdays with Dorie), defrosted it, and it was as good as new.  A real revelation as now S has no excuse to eat an entire cake within 2 days.


18 comments:

Megan said...

Yours look perfect - and I agree the cookie base (or biscuit, as you say) is really really good.

Anonymous said...

They look great with the ice cream! I love freezing things for another day.

Anonymous said...

Your bars look wonderful. I loved these, they were so good.

Arwen from Hoglet K said...

I know exactly where you're coming from with the cake disappearing in 3 days. You've got an excellent method of self-control using the freezer.

vibi said...

Beautiful, Bria! I love the first pic with the round bars (lol) and ice cream, so so so mouthwatering!
YUM!

Jules Someone said...

Those look so good. I didn't make ice cream sandwiches with mine. I think I'll have to next time.

Nancy/n.o.e said...

Oh, good job making your own toffee. I love your round ice cream sandwiches! These were rich, and I stored my extras in the freezer too (just ate the last one yesterday - I made these weeks ago)
Nancy

Anonymous said...

Mouthwatering photos Bria! This has got me craving some at 11pm at night. Oh dear! :P

Amanda said...

These look perfect, nice job! Mine were a bit crisp, but still tasty :)

Anonymous said...

How fun - I love all the pics!! :) Yummy!

chocolatechic said...

Werther's candy would be a good substitute.

Yours look wonderful.

TeaLady said...

Great looking bars. They are perfect with the ice cream. Yummy!

Bria said...

Thanks everyone! Seems as though most people enjoyed these which is great.

Linda said...

I love crunchy pearls --- what a great variation for the topping!

jacq said...

oh my gosh girl!!! Next time you are at work I DEMAND you to bring some of your cooking in. I had no idea you were this into it!!

Teanna DiMicco said...

Hahaha What a great discovery about freezing your cakes! I hope S isn't disappointed that he doesn't HAVE to finish the cake in two days!

Susan @ SGCC said...

Your bars look perfect. That homemade toffee sounds way better than the store bought bits. Well done!

Y said...

Love that first photo. Looks incredibly good!