Honeycomb Bars

Directions

1. 1
   MAKE THE SWEET TART DOUGH
2. 2
   In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until combined.
3. 3
   In a small bowl whisk together the heavy cream, egg yolk, and vanilla.
4. 4
   Add this to the butter and sugar mixture and beat until incorporated.
5. 5
   Scrape down the bowl and add the flour and salt until just combined.
6. 6
   Turn out the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and form into an oblong disk.
7. 7
   Wrap the disk tightly in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
8. 8
   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the sides and bottom of a 9-by-13-inch glass or light-colored metal baking pan.
9. 9
   Roll out the dough into a large rectangle roughly the shape of the pan.
10. 10
    Transfer the dough to the pan, and press into the bottom of the pan (do not press up the sides).
11. 11
    Dont worry if you arent able to roll out a perfect crust.
12. 12
    The dough is quite forgiving and can be pressed, in pieces, into the pan by hand.
13. 13
    Cover the dough with a sheet of parchment paper .
14. 14
    Place dried beans or pie weights over the dough and bake for 10 minutes.
15. 15
    Remove the beans and parchment paper and bake for another 5 minutes.
16. 16
    Transfer from the oven to a cooling rack.
17. 17
    Keep the oven on while you make the filling.
18. 18
    MAKE THE HONEYCOMB BAR FILLING
19. 19
    In a medium bowl, toss together the dried cherries, orange peel, cake flour, and salt.
20. 20
    Set aside.
21. 21
    In a large saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, heavy cream, honey, and butter.
22. 22
    Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and bring the mixture to the soft ball stage, approximately 240 degrees F. Do not stir the mixture while it is coming to this stage.
23. 23
    Once the mixture reaches 240 degrees F., add the brandy and remove from the heat.
24. 24
    Fold the dry ingredients and the almonds into the hot sugar mixture and pour the mixture into the sweet tart crust.
25. 25
    Spread the filling evenly, and smooth the top.
26. 26
    Bake for about 15 minutes or until the bar is golden and bubbly.
27. 27
    Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting.
28. 28
    Bars can be stored at room temperature, covered and sealed, for up to 4 days.