Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Baking for Baker

Fellow Aussie and actor Simon Baker requested some sweet treats today for the cast and crew of his show, The Mentalist.  I concocted a delicious array of desserts that will keep everyone on set charged for the late night shoot they have ahead of them! After the success of my Pumpkin Spice and Cream Cheese mini cupcakes, you know I had to include a large batch of those babies!

I also had a special request for an Australian treat that you can't find over here in the States and for the life of me, I don't know why! Caramel Slice is like a homemade gourmet twix and believe me if I had my way, I'd be sending sweet samples to all of you!
Not only does it have a crispy graham cracker crust, the center is a smooth caramel topped with a layer of chocolate... it really is heaven and here's how it's done! {note that I've added a couple of short cuts to make it a little faster and easier}

the chirpy birds caramel slice
1 cup of Graham Cracker Crumbs
6 Tablespoons of unsalted butter melted
1 1/2 small cans of sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons of Golden Syrup
2 tablespoons of butter
6oz of good Semi Sweet Chocolate
2 tablespoons of butter

Preheat Oven to 350F.
Add melted butter to Graham Cracker crumbs and make sure that mixture is even.  Press down firmly into a 11'' x 7'' baking dish ensuring that the base is nice and compressed. Put into oven for approximately 10 minutes so that crust is golden brown and set aside.
Put condensed milk into a medium sized saucepan over medium heat and add butter and golden syrup.
Golden Syrup is an English malted type corn syrup and if you have any trouble finding it, you can just leave it out!
Continue to whisk mixture for around 12 minutes until it begins to darken and become thick.  Be sure to keep your eye on the caramel and continue to whisk! We want a smooth even toned caramel :)
Transfer Caramel into crusted baking dish and ensure that it is evenly coating the base.  Place back into the oven for around 15 minutes keeping an eye on the caramel as is begins to darken and thicken.  Remove from oven once caramel is set and allow to cool for around 20 minutes. Put into the refrigerator for around two hours so that it completely cools.
Melt chocolate and butter over double boiler and continue to stir until smooth and shiny.  Cover the Caramel with chocolate ensuring that the chocolate coating is even.  Place back into the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.  You want to cut the slice into bars while the chocolate is still malleable otherwise it will crack! Cut into desired squares {remember it's rich so keep it small} and return back to the refrigerator to set completely.
Then, as always, watch them disappear before your very eyes!!

xo tash

26 comments:

  1. these look delicious! I need to get my baking gloves on :)

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  2. That sounds amazing!!!
    Good job, thanks for sharing
    xoxo
    www.joiedevivre-chiara.blogspot.com

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  3. tash, please send some my way!!
    these look absolutely deeeeeeliiisshhh!! I promise to send you some scottish short bread (goes fab with a cup of tea!)
    xx
    callie

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  4. Oh my goodness, these sound incredible!

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  5. these look so good, thanks for the recipe!

    I'm new to your blog, + a huge Simon Baker fan - you actually work with him?! awesome.

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  6. "gourmet twix"!? I'm IN. These looks sooo good!!

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  7. Wait, hold on... You get to bake for Simon Baker?

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  8. these are my favorite treat in Australia - pure heaven. I have yet to attempt to make them myself...until now! hopefully the crew loved them!

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  9. Looks delicious!!! Bookmarking this!

    xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com

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  10. those look pretty darn amazing! twix is one of my faves..

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  11. My Balazs is crazy about caramel...I am going to make those this weekend...yay! Oh my, they really look yummy
    Hugs and kisses,sweetie

    Ps: I am hosting a ban.do headband GIVEAWAY today! Please, join in!

    (Its so sweet)

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  12. Oh, my goodness! Those look absolutely mouthwateringly delicious!! I truly think that I HAVE to attempt this recipe or I won't be content until I do!

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  13. I'm sorry...what?! Gourmet Twix? I'm breaking out the fat pants now in preparation!

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  14. so delightful! can you come over and bake for me ;)

    in remark to your comment on Candidly, Red - yes, I will have to TRY to keep from coming home with loads of new clothes and accessories!!

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  15. And now I'm hungry!

    Becca

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  16. Ahhh how amazing are they! I cant believe they dont have them in the states. love your blog and thanks for your comment on mine :) xx

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  17. um hello - these need to get in my belly ASAP! - yum !!!!

    *kiss kiss*
    Erika

    PS - spreading the word - come one come all and
    *Enter Camille Beckman Luxury Give-Away Here*

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  18. separated at birth!! girl my mother makes caramel slice like that - i got so nostalgic when I saw your recipe!!

    i'm going to haul over to those cupcakes...what is your job??

    xoxo,
    carrie

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  19. omg yum! i would have eaten them ALL!!

    xx

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  20. Those look delicious!! :D I loving baking and Fall is the perfect time to get into it.

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  21. You had me at gourmet Twix. These look incredible!

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  22. That looks amazing...

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  23. YUM! These looks delicious! And I wouldn't mind sharing one and a cup of tea with Mr. Baker ; )

    -Samantha
    http://sincerelysamantha.com

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