If you are dreaming of a sweet tropical vacation, these Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bars will definitely feed your fantasy.   A nutty, buttery crust filled with tropical macadamia nuts, then covered in a layer of rich caramel. and then topped off with chocolate.   What more could you need except a glass of milk!  {Well, maybe sand and seas, but unfortunately you are on your own there. }  And by the way, if that dream vacation is a reality for you in the near future, Congrats!   These macadamia bars are  a great way to celebrate!

This is another delicious bar cookie recipe that looks pretty and also tastes fabulous – it makes plenty for a party and will definitely impress your family and friends!

Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bars

Ingredients

Crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup firmly  packed dark brown sugar

1/2 cup cold  butter, cut into pieces

1 cup chopped macadamia nuts, toasted

 

Caramel and Chocolate:

3/4 cup  butter

1/2 cup firmly  packed dark brown sugar

1 1/2 cups  semisweet or bittersweet chocolate morsels

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking pan.
2. To prepare the crust, combine flour and sugar in the bowl of a food  processor.  Process about 10 seconds to combine thoroughly.  Add butter and  process until mixture is crumbly, about 30 seconds.  (Or use a pastry cutter .)   Transfer crumbs to prepared  pan and press firmly to make a compact layer.  Scatter nuts evenly over crust and  press them in firmly.
3. To prepare the caramel layer, melt butter in a heavy medium-size saucepan  over low heat.  Add brown sugar and stir well until thoroughly combined and  smooth.  Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until entire  surface of caramel is bubbly.  Immediately pour hot caramel over nuts and  spread evenly with back of a metal spoon.  Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until caramel  is bubbly.
4. Remove pan from oven.  Wait 1 minute; sprinkle chocolate morsels evenly  over caramel. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes for chocolate to melt.  Spread chocolate  evenly with spatula or back of a metal spoon.  Cool completely, then refrigerate  30 minutes to set.  Cut into bars with a sharp knife.

recipe from relish.com