Italian Christmas Bars Recipes

TURTLE CARAMEL BARS

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 350°.
• In a medium bowl whisk together the flour and sugar, with a pastry blender or fork mix in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press onto the bottom of an ungreased 9 inch (23 cm) square cake pan ( I used a spring form pan or line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal). Bake for approximately 15 minutes.

ITALIAN CHRISTMAS BARS

Steps:

• Spray a 9x13 inch pan with non-stick spray.
• In a small bowl, mix flour and baking powder until well-combined.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, almond paste, and almond extract at medium speed for 3-4 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
• Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, until well-blended.
• Beat in flour mixture.
• Divide the batter evenly into thirds. Spread one portion of the batter thinly and evenly in the prepared pan. Freeze the pan for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, mix green food coloring into a second portion of the batter. Gently spread over batter in the pan. Freeze the pan for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, mix red food coloring into the third portion of the batter. Gently spread over the green batter in the pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 24-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
• Cool completely on a wire rack.
• Place jam in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 15-25 seconds, or until slightly thinned.
• Spread jam evenly over bars.
• In a large saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate and heavy cream. Whisk gently until smooth.
• Spread chocolate ganache over the jam layer.
• Allow chocolate to set. Cut into bars.