Congo Bars

• 6 cups macadamia nuts
• 1 one-pound box graham crackers
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups packed sweetened shredded coconut

Caramel for Cookies

• 4 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread macadamia nuts on a baking sheet, and bake until golden, about 10 minutes. Set baking sheet on a wire rack to cool.
 

Line an 11-by-18-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Using a food processor or rolling pin, finely crush graham crackers. Place in a medium bowl. Stir in melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of prepared baking pan in an even layer. Sprinkle the chocolate over the graham crackers. Sprinkle the coconut over the chocolate. Sprinkle the reserved nuts over the coconut.
 

Using a microwave or double boiler, heat the caramel until liquid. Drizzle caramel over macadamia nuts. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool. Cut into 3/4-by-1 1/4-inch pieces.

 

For caramel:

 

Combine sugar, cream of tartar, salt, and 1/3 cup water in a wide, heavy-bottomed saucepan, with sides at least 3 inches high. Place over high heat. Let cook, without stirring, until sugar begins to melt and turn golden, 2 to 5 minutes. Turn heat to medium; continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until all sugar is melted, deep golden, and a candy thermometer reads 300 degrees.(hard-crack stage). While stirring, carefully pour cream slowly down the side of the pan (stand back slightly from the stove, as the cream may cause the caramel to sputter). When cream is incorporated, remove from heat; transfer to a heat-proof bowl. Use immediately.

VERDICT: Nope, never again.  I was lured in by how few ingredients there are, but forgot both that 6 cups of nuts (I used cashews) costs a million dollars and that caramel is a huge pain.  Every surface in the kitchen is slightly sticky, and the bars are not nearly good enough to make it worth it.  Toss.