Caramel Toffee Bars

Um...I've done something bad. I made these yesterday for a birthday gift and I'm already addicted to them. They are gooey and buttery and delicious. Good luck not eating the whole batch!

Caramel Toffee Bars

2 c. graham cracker crumbs
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, melted
1 (11-12 oz.) bag Rolos (or more if you like!)
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. coconut (or nuts, or white chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips...whatever)
1/2 c. toffee bits
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

Mix graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into a greased 9x13" pan.

 Top with rolos, chocolate chips, coconut, and toffee.

 Pour condensed milk evenly over the top.

 Bake at 350 F for about 25 minutes (more or less).

 Cool completely, then cut into bars.

Oh my goodness, just looking at these pictures makes me want another one. Enjoy!

Coconut Butter

I first became aquainted with coconut butter a couple of years ago and I love it! It's SO easy to make and it's great in many baked goods in place of butter. It's also delicious spread on toast, pancakes, muffins, etc. I dare you to try it! :)

Coconut Butter
4 c. unsweetened coconut (make sure it's UNsweetened)

Place coconut in a food processor and process for 7-10 minutes until it becomes runny. Pour into a jar/tupperware and store at room temperature. (It will harden as it sits, but it melts very easily.)

I'll be including this in recipes to come. I'm excited to try it in several cookie, muffin, and bread recipes. Enjoy!

Seven Layer Bars

When I was growing up, my mom had this recipe called Hello Dolly Bars (I still don't know why they were called that.) I've also heard them called Magic Cookie Bars, but I call them Seven Layer Bars.

Seven Layer Bars

1/2 c. butter

2 c. graham cracker crumbs

1 c. chopped walnuts

1 c. butterscotch chips

1-2 c. coconut

1 c. chocolate chips

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

Melt the butter in a 9x13" pan.

Pour in graham cracker crumbs, combine, and press to form a crust.

Now layer all the ingredients however you want, with the sweetened milk on top.

Bake at 350 F for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and brown.

Cut into bars when cool.

The funny thing about this recipe is that you really could use any nuts, any flavor chocolate chips, vanilla wafers or cinnamon grahams instead of the graham crumbs, and whatever changes you feel like. Enjoy!

Almond Joy Bars

Until recently I really didn't care for coconut at all. But in the last few years I've developed a taste for it. These bars (they're kind of brownies) are filled with coconut and chocolate goodness.

Almond Joy Bars
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. white sugar
1 t. vanilla OR almond extract
4 eggs
2 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1 c. cocoa
2 c. flour
1 c. chocolate chips
3 c. coconut, divided
1/2 c. sliced or slivered almonds
1/2 c. whole almonds

Combine butter, sugars, extract, and eggs in a large bowl. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add baking powder, salt, flour and cocoa. Mix again until combined. Stir in chocolate chips, 2 cups coconut, and sliced almonds. Spread into a greased 9x13" pan and sprinkle with remaining coconut and whole almonds. Bake at 350 F for 25-35 minutes. Check it after 25 minutes. It is done when it's puffy and almost set in the middle and coconut is toasty. These are very pretty when they're done. They would be great to give to a neighbor or bring to a family gathering. Enjoy!

Nut Butter Cups

Today I made these tasty little treats. I've been craving chocolate and peanut butter thanks to Heather's many posts about the delicious combo. But in addition to making the traditional peanut butter cup, I made coconut butter cups, sunflower seed butter cups, and almond butter cups. Delightful!

Nut Butter Cups

dark chocolate chips

nut butter (any kind you choose, I used roasted/salted butters except the coconut)

Line a mini-muffin tin with papers. Melt chocolate in a double boiler until just melted and smooth. Drop a spoonful of chocolate in each cup and spread up the sides of the paper: Then place a small scoop of nut butter in each cup: Then top each cup with more chocolate: I made a lot... :) Once they're all covered with chocolate, place in the freezer until they set up.

I recommend keeping the finished product in a ziploc bag in the fridge or freezer so they stay good longer. Enjoy!