Orange and Brazil Nut Squares

I love anything with a citrus flavour, these squares are very nice with an orange flavoured shortbread base topped with a chewy orange and nut topping. The original recipe is entered, I have used other nuts - walnuts, pecans, macadamias. Source: Homemakers Magazine

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 36 squares

Ingredients

• Base

• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 2  tablespoons butter, softened
• 1⁄2 cup icing sugar
• 1  tablespoon  grated  orange rind
• 1 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
• 1  pinch salt

• Topping

• 2⁄3 cup  packed brown sugar
• 3  tablespoons  orange juice
• 3  tablespoons orange marmalade
• 1  cup brazil nut (flaked or sliced)

Directions

1. In bowl, beat together 1/2 cup/125 mL of the butter with icing sugar until light and fluffy; beat in rind.
2. Whisk together flour, cardamom (if using) and salt; stir into butter mixture in 2 additions.
3. Line 9-inch/ 2.5 L square metal cake pan with parchment paper, leaving 1-inch/2.5 cm hanging over sides.
4. With floured hands, pat dough into pan. Bake in centre of 350°F/180°C oven until lightly coloured, 15 to 17 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in small saucepan, bring remaining butter, brown sugar, orange juice and marmalade to boil, stirring constantly.
6. Remove from heat and stir in nuts.
7. Spread over cookie base; bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
8. Let cool slightly, about 5 minutes; lift from pan and, using chef's knife, cut into squares. Let cool on rack.