Holiday Recipes: Chocolate-Nut Squares

To make chocolate-nut squares:
1 cup (6 ounces) semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips

1 Tbsp shortening

1 (14 ounce) package caramels

2 Tbsp butter

3 Tbsp milk
2 cups coarsely chopped pecans

Line 8 inch square pan with buttered foil; set aside. Melt both kinds of chips with shortening in heavy, small saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly. Spoon half the chocolate mixture in prepared pan, spreading evenly over bottom. Refrigerate until firm.

Meanwhile, combine caramels butter and milk in heavy medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. When mixture is smooth, stir in pecans. Cool to lukewarm. Spread caramel mixture evenly over chocolate in pan.  Melt remaining chocolate mixture again over very low heat, stirring constantly; spread over caramel layer. Refrigerate until almost firm. Cut into squares. Store in refrigerator. Makes about 2 pounds.

Hint: Squares are less likely to break apart if the chocolate is not completely firm when you cut them. Rinse the knife under hot water and wipe it clean after each cut.