(or Millionaire's Shortbread, Caramel Shortcake, Caramel Shortbread) Rectangles of cut shortbread biscuit, typically 3 ins square, but also in other shapes, topped with a very thick, soft, sticky caramel confection, topped with chocolate. Chocolate Caramel Shortbread (Top R) Image: Australian Women's Weekly, 25 February 1981 Known at least since versions appeared in Australian journals and magazines, most persistently in the 'The Australian Women's Weekly' from the 'Caramel Shortbread' receipt of 21 October 1970 to the definitive version given below. The name 'Millionaires' Shortbread' seems to first appear in Scotland about 1990 (OED). Original Receipt from 'The Australian Women's Weekly' of Wednesday 25 February 1981 Chocolate Caramel Shortbread BASE 125g (4oz) butter or margarine 1/4 cup sugar 1 cup plain flour CARAMEL 400g can sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup sugar 3 tablespoons golden syrup 125g (4oz) butter or margarine ICING 90g (3oz) dark chocolate 30g (1oz) butter or margarine BASE Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, stir in sifted flour in two lots. When mixture becomes too difficult to stir, use hand to press ingredients together; knead lightly until smooth. Press evenly over base of greased 28cm x 18cm (11in x 7in) lamington [sic] tin, bake in moderate oven 20 minutes, or until golden brown, leave to cool in tin. When base is cold, pour hot caramel mixture over, leave until cold, then spread with icing, refrigerate until set. CARAMEL Combine all ingredients in medium saucepan with heavy base, stir over low heat until butter is melted and sugar dissolved; continue stirring, increase heat, bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer, stir- ring constantly, for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Pour hot caramel mixture over cooled base. ICING Melt chocolate over simmering water, add butter, stir until melted, spread evenly over cold caramel mixture. Approximate cost: $1.70. Caramel Squares Image: Aurore D |
MORE FROM Foods of England... Cookbooks ● Diary ● Index ● Magic Menu ● Random ● Really English? ● Timeline ● Donate ● English Service ● Food Map of England ● Lost Foods ● Accompaniments ● Biscuits ● Breads ● Cakes and Scones ● Cheeses ● Classic Meals ● Curry Dishes ● Dairy ● Drinks ● Egg Dishes ● Fish ● Fruit ● Fruits & Vegetables ● Game & Offal ● Meat & Meat Dishes ● Pastries and Pies ● Pot Meals ● Poultry ● Preserves & Jams ● Puddings & Sweets ● Sauces and Spicery ● Sausages ● Scones ● Soups ● Sweets and Toffee ● About ... ● Bookshop ● Email: [email protected] COPYRIGHT and ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: © Glyn Hughes 2022 BUILT WITH WHIMBERRY |