Middle Eastern Millionaire's Shortbread

INGREDIENTS

For the shortbread

1/4 cup

plus 1 tablespoon confectioner's sugar

3 1/2 tbsp

cornstarch

2 1/2 tbsp

granulated sugar

3/4 cup

unsalted butter, melted, and set aside to cool slightly

1/2 tsp

vanilla extract

2 cups

all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp

salt

For the halva nougat

7 oz

halva, roughly crumbled into small pieces

1/3 cup

tahini

For the tahini caramel

1 cup

granulated sugar

1/2 cup

water

7 tbsp

unsalted butter, cubed

1/3 cup

heavy cream

1/3 cup

tahini

1/2 tsp

flaky sea salt