Pecan Praline Toffee Bars

Instructions

• CARAMELIZE sweetened condensed milk using one of the methods described below. Set aside to cool.
• HEAT oven to 350°F. Combine flour, chopped pecans, butter and 1/4 cup brown sugar in small bowl. Press in bottom of 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until lightly browned.
• COMBINE cooled caramelized sweetened condensed milk with toffee bits; set aside. Spray square baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.
• COMBINE pecan halves, remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar and cream in medium bowl. Spread in prepared pan. Bake 20 minutes or until coating is dry and slightly crystallized, stirring after 10 minutes. Remove from oven; stir again. Cool.
• POUR toffee filling over crust. Coarsely break up pecan topping; sprinkle over filling. Cut into bars.
• CARAMELIZATION METHODS
• OVEN METHOD: Pour 1 can sweetened condensed milk into 9-inch pie plate. Cover with aluminum foil; place in larger shallow pan. Fill larger pan with hot water. Bake at 425°F for 1 1/2 hours or until thick and caramel-colored. Beat until smooth.
• STOVETOP METHOD: Pour 1 can sweetened condensed milk, into top of double boiler; place over boiling water. Over low heat, simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until thick and caramel-colored. Beat until smooth.
• MICROWAVE METHOD: Pour 1 can sweetened condensed milk into 2-quart glass measure. Cook on 50% power (medium) 4 minutes, stirring briskly every 2 minutes until smooth. Cook on 30% power (medium-low) 12 to 18 minutes or until very thick and caramel-colored, stirring briskly every 2 minutes until smooth.
• CAUTION: NEVER HEAT UNOPENED CAN.