Larimer Square is a bustling street in downtown Denver, one of those chi-chi one block areas that harken to days when cities had main streets and you could go there to find a gathering of merchants. It was in fact the first main street in Denver, born during the gold rush of the mid 1800's when it was settled and named by General William H. Larimer Jr. Back in those 'olden' days, merchants would include purveyors of feed, flour and furniture but today is a designated Historical District and a destination for both city residents and suburbanites to grab a cocktail, shop a bit and have dinner in some of Denver's best restaurants. It's gone through its share of changes in the years I've lived in Denver but I love that this charming street is mostly filled with local shops and restaurants and lit all year round with strings of white lights. My first experience with this Salted Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee came from a local cookbook where they were labeled Larimer Toffee Squares.
There seems to be no history that indicates the area gave rise to a namesake cookie. It's not too late; forget gold, they should claim them now! I can only imagine that the person who titled these bar cookies Larimer Toffee Squares had to have been making a play on words with this historical area; elevating the cookie to both the distinction and history that being associated with Larimer Square would convey. Once made in our home? Who cares about a fancy distinction, we just loved them. I've found since publishing this recipe more than 10 years ago that they are well known as Graham Cracker Toffee Squares. My twist? How about some milk chocolate and finishing salt? Salted Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee Squares...all the better right? They are elevated and updated once again.
The original recipe is from one of my favorite cookbooks, Creme de Colorado, the 2nd cookbook published in the 1980's by the Junior League of Denver. That original recipe is a mixture of just four ingredients; graham crackers, butter, pecans and sugar and while I'm sure they are good; trust me...these are better...way better!
