Chocolate Caramel Bars

Chocolate Caramel Bars

Ingredients:

Crust Layer:

12 graham crackers

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter

Caramel Layer:

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 tablespoon water

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

Chocolate Layer

2 cups chocolate chips

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1 3/4 teaspoon espresso powder

smoked salt* optional

Directions:

Crust Layer:

Place graham crackers and sugar in food processor.  Pulse to a fine bread crumb stage.  Add melted butter  and pulse until it comes to a "clumping stage".  Press evenly in a spring form pan.  Place in a 350 degree oven for 12 minutes.

Caramel Layer:

In a saucepan place heavy cream, butter, water, and brown sugar.  Place a thermometer in saucepan and cook to 250 degrees.  Pour over cooled crust.  When cooled place in freezer to finish coming to a solid state.

Chocolate Layer:

Place chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream with espresso powder in heat proof dish over hot water in a sauce pan.  Allow to melt while stirring but do not over mix.  When melted pour over caramel layer.  Sprinkle smoked salt if using.  Allow 3 hours to cool and set up before slicing.

Recipe of Giada De Laurentis