Cherry Maple Walnut Triangle Bars

A short bread crust filled with a cherries and walnuts, then dipped in white and chocolate candy coating.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• Filling:
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup butter, cubed
• 2/3 pure maple syrup
• 4 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
• 2 cups dried cherries
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Garnish:
• 3/4 pounds white candy coating
• 3/4 pounds chocolate candy coating

Directions:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Gradually add flour and mix well. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until easy to handle. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough into an ungreased 15 X 10 baking sheet. Bake 7-9 minutes or until lightly browned. In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cream, butter and maple syrup. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reads 246 degrees or firm ball stage. Remove from heat, stir in walnuts, dried cherries and vanilla extract. Spread evenly into crust and bake 18-22 minutes, just until filling is set. Cool completely on a wire rack and refrigerate overnight. Remove cookie bars from pan using a sharp knife. Trim edges of crust and discard trimmings. Cut lengthwise into six strips and cut each strip into 16 triangles. In a microwave safe bowl, melt candy coating, one at a time, stirring until smooth. Dip short side of each triangle into candy coating, doing half of triangles in white candy coating and the other half in chocolate. Drizzle with additional candy coating over top. Let stand until set then cover and store in refrigerator.

Number of Servings: 8 dozen

Notes from the Cook: You can certainly celebrate the season with these rich, nutty, cherry, chewy, holiday bars. Baking cookies and making memories is part of my family's tradition every year.