Caramel Squares

So my blog is based on healthy eating but we all know that life is about balance. These delicious squares are a family favourite. My Irish grandmother would make these for us every time we visited her in Strabane, Northern Ireland. We then got the recipe from her and whenever we need to make a sweet treat for an event, a birthday then we just grab the recipe and they turn out perfectly!

Serves 1 tray (15-20 squares)

Ingredients

For the base:

• 125g butter (room temperature)
• 55g caster sugar
• 180g / 6oz plain flour

For the filling:

• 1 tube/ 300g of sweetened condensed milk
• 50g butter
• 2 tbs of golden syrup or molasses

Topping:

• 100g of dark or milk chocolate

The Base

1. 1. Heat the oven to 190C

1. 1. Add the butter, sugar and flour into a bowl

1. 1. Personally, I mix it up with my finger to create a texture that ressembles crumble

1. 1. Place the mixture in a rectangular tray and press down so that it fills the base

1. 1. It must not be too thin or thick, preferably 1cm or so

1. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until pale golden-brown. Set aside to cool on a wire rack.

The Filling

1. On a medium heat, place the condensed milk, butter and golden syrup or molasses in a saucepan
2. Stir frequently to avoid the mixture sticking to the base and keep it on the heat until the caramel starts creating little bubbles and thickens up
3. You will know it is ready when you dip the back of a spoon into the mixture and leaves a layer
4. Take off the heat
5. Take the tray and add the caramel mixture over the top
6. Spread it out evenly and let it cool

The Topping

1. If using dark chocolate, place it in a bowl and put it in the microwave for one minute at a time until it has melted
2. If you are using milk chocolate then use the same priniciple as above but melt it for 30 seconds at a time in case it burns
3. Once the caramel has cooled down,add the chocolate and spread it over the top
4. Place the tray in the fridge and wait for the chocolate to harden before cutting it into squares