Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped bacon
- 1 cup toffee bits
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating until just combined.
6. Stir in the chopped bacon, toffee bits, and chopped pecans.
7. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
Makes 12-16 bars
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 420
Total fat: 26g
Saturated fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 26g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- Chopped walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate twist.
- Use different types of bacon, such as maple or applewood smoked, for a different flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a decorative touch.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars cleanly.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Storage Instructions:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
The bars can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the bars on a platter or in a decorative tin.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle extra toffee bits or chopped bacon over the top of the bars for added texture.
Pairings:
Serve the bars with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
Suggested Side Dishes:
These bars are a sweet treat on their own, but can be served with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to moisten it.
- If the bars are too crumbly, press the dough more firmly into the baking dish before baking.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the bacon thoroughly before chopping it.
Food History:
Toffee bars have been a popular dessert in the United States since the early 1900s.
Flavor Profiles:
These bars are sweet and salty, with a crunchy texture from the bacon and toffee bits.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the bars as a dessert or a sweet snack.
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Region: British