“Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate” Alan D. Wolfelt
COFFEE CRUNCH BARS
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup sliced almonds
Heat oven to 325F.
Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl to blend. Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar in another medium bowl until blended, about 2 minutes. Add coffee granules and almond extract, beat 1 minute. Stir in flour mixture in 2 additions, mixing until just absorbed. Stir in the chocolate chips and almonds.
Turn the dough onto an ungreased rimmed baking sheet. Using hands, press dough into a 12-inch square. Pierce all over with a fork at 1-inch intervals.
Bake until the edges are lightly browned and beginning to crisp, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool on sheet 1 minute. Cut into bars.
Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, February 2009
