epicureantease

Here it is Christmas Eve Eve and I’m wondering where the last month went! I guess there IS a lot of truth to, “time flies when you’re having fun”! I can honestly say I have enjoyed this Christmas season more than most and to the fullest! 🙂 With Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on in the background, I think fondly of how I’ve spent my time.. an afternoon spent at my favorite nursery (Orchard Nursery in Lafayette), light shopping and lunch with my mom and sister the day after Thanksgiving,  hanging my parents Christmas lights, searching for the perfect Christmas tree, baking, decorating, a wonderful evening spent in San Francisco enjoying the sights and every candy store we came across, holiday shopping, donating to Toys for Tots, wrapping presents, cookie party, driving around looking at Christmas lights, countless holiday movies on ABC Family and Lifetime channels and a fair share of holiday themed hot beverages from Starbucks. My heart is happy and as the saying goes, “my cup runneth over”… 🙂  What better time  to make, Magic Cookie Bars!!

This was my first time making these cookies. I love the fact that everything was prepared in one dish! I was a little fearful that I messed them up as I fell asleep while they were cooling and when I went to cut them, they were stuck. Not wanting to deal with it, I covered them and revisited cutting the bars this evening. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy they came out of the pan. Sometimes all it takes is taking a little time away and returning with a fresh attitude! 🙂

Magic Cookie Bars

Magic Cookie Bars

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter (or margarine), melted
1 cup chopped walnuts (you can use any kind of nut, I used pecans)
3/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cups butterscotch chips
1 1/2 cups flaked coconut
1 1/3 cups sweetened condensed milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)

2. In a 9×13 inch pan pour in melted butter. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs evenly over the butter. Next place the chopped nuts over the crumbs, and spread the chocolate and butterscotch chips over the nuts. Add the coconut over all, and pour the milk evenly over the top.

3. Bake 25-30 minutes or until lightly brown on top. Cool at least 20 minutes then cut into desired sized bars.

Don’t forget to put a plate of cookies and a glass of milk out for Santa!  And for bonus points, leave a carrot for Rudolph!

From my home to yours, wishing you a very Merry Christmas! May it be filled with the love of family and friends and of course… good food! 🙂