Chocolate Amaretto Bars
Posted by: Jerseygirl  Tue, 26 Oct 2004, at 9:59 a.m.
 

A layer of chocolate fudge with a hint of amaretto rests upon a buttery crust. Top it all off with a drizzling of chocolate and you've got dessert.

Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup butter or margarine, cut into pieces, softened
1/3 cup packed brown sugar

Filling:

4 large eggs
3/4 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup amaretto liqueur or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups sliced almonds
1 (12-ounce) package NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided use
Chocolate Drizzle (optional, see below)

PREHEAT oven to 350º F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
FOR CRUST: BEAT flour, butter and sugar in large mixer bowl until crumbly. Press into prepared baking pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

FOR FILLING:

BEAT eggs, corn syrup, sugar, liqueur, butter and cornstarch in medium bowl with wire whisk. Stir in almonds and 1 2/3 cups morsels. Pour over hot crust; spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until center is set. Cool in pan on wire rack.

FOR CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE:

PLACE remaining morsels in heavy-duty plastic bag. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power for 30 to 45 seconds; knead. Microwave at 10 to 20-second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag; squeeze to drizzle over bars. Refrigerate for few minutes to firm chocolate before cutting into bars.

Makes 2 1/2 dozen bars.