Portuguese Walnut Squares

These are chewy walnut bars made by my Titia Albertin in Sao Miguel, Azores. They have a wonderful flavor that comes from Port wine.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 180 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 drops red food coloring
• ⅜ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon port wine
• 2 tablespoons port wine

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9 inch square pan.

Step 2

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the vanilla, milk and 2 tablespoons Port wine. Combine the flour, chopped walnuts and baking powder; stir into the creamed mixture. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 3

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Brush the top with 2 tablespoons of the Port wine as soon as it comes out of the oven. Let cool to room temperature before glazing.

Step 4

To make the glaze, beat together the confectioners' sugar, 1 tablespoon of butter, and 1 tablespoon of port wine until smooth and spreadable. Spread over the cooled bars.