SMS is bringing Butterscotch Cashew Bars, chosen this week by Pamela of Cookies with Boys, and what a great recipe. My hubby had the nerve to turn his nose up at the thought of the flavor combination ~ butterscotch and cashews ~ but boy did he sing a different tune after the first bite! The only change I made to the recipe was using maple glazed cashews, which I found in the bulk food section of a store chain called Central Market in Shoreline, WA.
The shortbread took 2 sticks of butter and bakes in the oven before the topping is applied. While the shortbread is baking, the butterscotch topping gets started and my butterscotch chips took a while to get melted. I was starting to think maybe the chips were not as fresh as they should be but, being a little more patient, the chips melted completely and I had a beautiful creamy butterscotch, caramel layer to go on the shortbread cookie base.
I had more fun applying my cashews. The goal was to leave no spot without a cashew. I also enjoyed having Melissa lay out complete instructions for how to create a professional looking cut bar. Again, patience is a needed ingredient =). Like so many of us, we usually have several tasks going at the same time. I bet we food bloggers could get together and write a winning book that really tells people how to multi-task and what the term means.
All my bars went into a tupperware container to be taken to work. Sharing keeps the rest of the bars out of the kitchen and away from me snagging just one more. That "just one more bar" added up to 4 total.
I love the recipe combination of flavors and I may try this again with macadamia nuts out of curiosity. Thank you Pamela for widening my flavor horizons and Melissa for giving us all the wonderful recipe!