WALNUT CARAMEL SQUARES

FOR THE CRUST:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup butter
3 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup chocolate chips
FOR THE FILLING:
1 1/3 cups sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 cup whipping cream
2 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

TO PREPARE THE CRUST:
Combine flour, 1/2 cup butter and 3 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl. Mix with a fork until well blended. Press into a lightly greased 9-inch square pan. Prick with a fork.

Bake until lightly browned, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips; let stand 2 minutes, then spread chocolate over crust.

TO PREPARE THE FILLING:
Place 1 1/3 cups sugar in a heavy saucepan; cook and stir over low heat until melted and caramel colored, about 20 minutes.

Stir in corn syrup, 1 cup butter and cream. Cook over medium heat until mixture reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Remove from heat and stir in walnuts. Immediately pour over crust, smoothing to make an even layer. Drizzle with melted chocolate and refrigerate until firm.

Cut into small squares to serve.

Makes 16 squares
Source: California Milk Advisory Board