Chocolate Sherry Cream Bars

This is one of my family's favorite recipes that I make at Christmas time. That is when I usually bake these because they are so special, but of course you can make them anytime. This is my most requested recipe.

This may not be a "simple recipe for everyday baking," but it isn't complicated either. Just more time-consuming because of the layers.

I'm not sure where this recipe came from. It's just in my recipe box and I've been making them for a long time. Make sure you have unsweetened chocolate and some Cream Sherry on hand.

Brownie Base:
4 oz.  unsweetened baking chocolate (the bars, not the powder)
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 325-F. Grease and flour (use the PAM baking spray) a 13x9" pan.  In a medium bowl, melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring in between. Let cool slightly. Beat eggs til light.  Gradually add sugar. Add the chocolate mixture and vanilla.  Add flour and salt.   Pour batter into pan and bake 20-25 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean. Don't over-bake! Cool completely.

Filling:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup cream
4 TB Cream Sherry
1 box powdered sugar (16 oz) (3-1/2 cups)
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together with an electric mixer, adding cream and sherry gradually.  Stir in walnuts. Spread over the brownie base and chill til firm.

Topping:
6 oz. (1/2 pkg) semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 TB butter
3 TB water

In a small bowl, melt in the microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring in between. Mix well and spread over the filling.  Let topping harden in the fridge before cutting into bars or squares.  Store covered in the fridge.

Happy Baking!