Chocolate Walnut Bars
Bajadere

This is a very easy and economical recipe to make. It is served in small thin slices, as it is very rich! The alternating layers make this recipe look more difficult than it is. A great addition to your holiday treats selection! Once you make these you will definitely do so again! The name actually comes from that of a famous layered chocolate treat produced by Croatia's top chocolate company.

Makes 4 dozen
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cup (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, creamed
3 cups ground tea biscuits (Arrowroot type)
3 cups ground walnuts
3 squares (3 ounces) semisweet chocolate, grated
1 teaspoon rum extract (optional)

Glaze:
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon butter
6 squares (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate
chopped walnuts (optional)

In a medium-size pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add sugar, simmering until thickened slightly. Then add the butter, tea biscuits and ground walnuts. Mix all ingredients well, until dough forms. Remove from heat and divide into 2 equal halves. Knead the grated chocolate and rum extract if desired, into one of the halves of dough.

Press the chocolate dough into a greased 11x 13" baking dish Sprinkle some water on your hands to keep the dough from sticking to them. Spread the lighter batter on top of the chocolate, press evenly covering chocolate.

Glaze: in a small saucepan on the stovetop, heat the milk, sugar and butter. When the butter has melted, add the chocolate squares. When the glaze is smooth, pour over top of the dough in the baking dish. Sprinkle finely chopped walnuts over top (if desired). Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Cut into small thin bars.

$ Use a microwave to combine all ingredients. Grind the biscuits in a food processor or use graham cracker crumbs.
? Use light butter and skim milk.

Source: The Best of Croatian Cookin