Chocolate Sherry Bars

 Chocolate Sherry Bars are an Southern-style dessert bar with three irresistible layers: a deep, fudgy baked chocolate base, a silky sherry-spiked confectioners’ sugar frosting folded with chopped pecans, and a thin glossy chocolate drizzle that sets into a delicate “shell” on top. The sherry doesn’t taste boozy—it adds a gentle warmth and a little something extra that makes these feel party-worthy and a touch nostalgic. Chill well before slicing so the layers stay crisp and clean, then serve in small squares because they are wonderfully rich.

 

Ingredients:

1st Layer

4 oz (squares) unsweetened baking chocolate

2 sticks of butter

4 eggs

2 cups of sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2nd Layer

1 stick of butter, softened

3 cups of confectioner’s sugar

1/4 cup of sherry

1 cup pecans, chopped

3rd Layer

3 ounces (1/2 cup) semisweet chocolate chips 

1 1/2 tablespoon of water

2 Tablespoons of butter, softened

Directions:

To prepare the first layer:

 Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 14x10-inch glass baking dish, dust with flour, and invert to shake out excess flour. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and butter over hot water.  Cool. In a large bowl with a large whisk, beat the eggs and gradually add the sugar. Stir in the chocolate mixture, flour, salt and vanilla. Mix/stir for 1 minute. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool in the pan.

To prepare the second layer: 

Combine butter, sugar and sherry. Stir until smooth, fold in the nuts. Spread over the first layer. Chill.

To prepare the third layer:

In a double boiler melt the chocolate with the water and butter. Stir to combine. Drizzle over the layers. Freeze briefly (I refrigerate) before serving. Slice into 2-inch bars.