pat's Recipe

Gooey Chocolate-Caramel Fantasy

Category: DESSERTS

2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs (about 38)
1/3 cup butter, melted
30 vanilla caramels
1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/4 cup whipping cream
2 cups chopped pecans
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
1/4 cup whipping cream

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together chocolate wafer crumbs and melted butter. Press onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake in a 350F oven for 10 minutes. Cool slightly on a wire rack.
In a heavy medium saucepan, melt caramels in caramel ice cream topping over low heat, stirring often. Stir in the first 1/4 cup whipping cream. Remove from heat; stir in nuts. Spread over crust. Cool, cover and chill for 1 hour.
For topping: In a heavy small saucepan, melt chocolate. Remove from heat, stir in remaining whipping cream. Drizzle or spread over caramel-pecan mixture. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.

makes 12 servings