Millionaires Shortbread

I've been searching out all of the sugar in my house this week.   Can you say stress eater?  I can't explain why I crave sugar when I'm stressed but I've also learned not to try and ignore it.  I'm really better off if I give in and allow myself to have a small amount of sugar because attempting to suppress my sugar cravings almost always results in an all out sugar frenzy by the end of the day.  It's not a pretty picture.  Trust me.

There is certainly no shortage of sugar in my house - as you might expect.  Open any cupboard or drawer in my kitchen and you're bound to come across something sweet and scrumptious.  I buy 20-30 pounds of sugar at a time so it's nearly impossible to hide the sweetness.  

Sometimes, a simple bowl of chocolate chips are sufficient to satisfy my need for sugar and there are other times when I need something more substantial.  My level of stress seems to dictate the type of sugar that I require.  

I've had a batch of these decadent shortbread bars in my refrigerator for a week now.  When I feel the need to stress eat all the sugar in the house, I slice a little piece off of one of these gooey, chocolate covered caramel bars and my cravings are satisfied.  

I'd like to tell you that one of these Millionaires Shortbread bars and a cup of hot tea in the afternoon will make your stress disappear but that would be a lie.  The truth is, these decadent bars will NOT make you stress-free - but it WILL add a little joy and sweetness to an otherwise stressful day.  

Millionaires Shortbread
Crust
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 sticks butter

Filling
14 ounce can condensed milk
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 stick butter
1/2 teaspoon salt

Chocolate
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted

Combine crust ingredients. (except butter)

Stir in melted butter with a rubber scraper. 

​
Press into a 9x13 pan fitted with a foil sling.  

Press firmly into pan with hands or bottom of glass.  Bake 25 minutes at 350.  Cool at least 20 minutes. 

Combine filling ingredients in saucepan.  Heat to a temperature of 236-239 degrees.  Stir often.

Pour over crust and spread to even thickness.  Let set at least 1 1/2 hours. 

​Melt chocolate and pour over caramel layer.  Refrigerate until just set. 

Slice into 16 rectangles. 

Millionaires Shortbread bars will last for up to several weeks in the refrigerator so they're not only a great little treat to have on hand for sugar attacks but a nice little dessert to have on hand.  

These decadent bars make a great little hostess gift.  Put a couple of bars in a cellophane bag, tie with a pretty ribbon and hand out to your family, neighbors, teachers and friends.  You will absolutely love these shortbread bars. 

Ciao!

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