Caramel Peacan Chocolate Squares - Gluten Free

Have you finished your baking for Christmas?   These squares are perfect as a delectable holiday treat - or any time you need something special!  They are good keepers and freeze well to bring out when needed over the holiday season. They are maybe a bit of extra work .. but are really worth it!

• 1 cup butter 
• 1/2 cup of chocolate chips 
• 1  1/3 cup Julie's Flour mix 
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 tsp xanthan gum 
• 1/2 tsp baking powder 
• 1/4 tsp salt 
• 4 lg eggs 
• 1 tsp vanilla 
• 5 cup mini-marshmallows
• 1 1/4 cup chopped pecans 

1. Spread chopped pecans on baking sheet and toast in oven 8 minutes - 350 degree 
2. Melt butter and the chocolate chips on low heat 
3. Pour melted butter and chips into mixing bowl. 
4. Add dry ingredients and eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth 
5. Pour into  15 x 10 " pan - lined with parchment paper - spread batter evenly
6. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. 
7. Remove from oven and spread marshmallows evenly over the top.  
8. Return to over for about 10 more minutes, until marshallows are melted and turning golden.
9. Remove from oven and sprinkle the pecans on top of the marshmallows. 
10. Drizzle  top with caramel sauce
11. Pipe melted chocolate criss-cross over top of caramel  chips 
12. Let cool before cutting into squares. 

Caramel Sauce 

• 3/8 cup butter 
• 3/4 cup brown sugar 
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla 

1. Melt butter 
2. Add brown sugar - cook until smooth 
3. Add cream and vanilla and simmer for 20 minutes.  It will thicken as it cools.

Tip -  I discovered this by 'accident' but it works really well  - a quick way to drizzle is to use a slotted tablespoon.  Scoop up a spoonful of caramel sauce and move the spoon over the pan ... it will come out in a nice even stream.

Melted Chocolate

• 3/4 cup chocolate chips 
• 3-4 tbsp cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla 
• 1 tbsp butter    

1. Pour 2" of water in small sauce pan and bring to boil 
2. Put chips/cream/butter/vanilla in mug and set in boiling water with a metal jar lid underneath - until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. 
3. Place in piping bag and pipe over squares.