So Much More

This was an accident, literally. Not like "oops, I made these and didn't have anyone to share them with so down down in the belly they went" (credit to Charlie there). More like... I picked up this recipe, anticipating a completely different cookie at the outcome, one that we'd tasted and loved, no-less... only to find out that this actually isn't that recipe at all (don't ask me how that happened - I'm still sleuthing it out myself) but instead, one of the best mistakes I've ever had the pleasure of happening upon.

And it should be known, I never once looked back. Sure, the (minor but obligatory- in my opinion) addition of espresso powder (or, er... grinded instant espresso in this budget-kitchen) had me suspicious early-on, but I've read my fair share of recipes where there is a secret and powerful ingredient that is the key to the intense, if surprising, flavor, so I wasn't about to let that derail me. Not to mention, do you know how rich the addition of anything-coffee makes chocolate?

And then the shortbread-like base - speckled with slivers of bittersweet chocolate? Topped with a layer of melty chocolate chips (not that I have any issues there) and a shower of crushed Heath bars? Sure, that'd give it some bite, but the cookie I was trying to re-create had a veritable crunch.

Oh, but that bite. I'll be the first to admit that this wasn't the cookie I set out to make... and I'll bring you that recipe another day if I have the good fortune of tracking it down... but this one, these Caramel Crunch Bars (thanks, originally, to Dorie Greenspan), are worth remembering all on their very own.