Dessert
7 layer bars are also known as Magic Bars but no matter what you call them they are really good! I made these as a Thank You for a friend but both Jim and I tried them too. I will most definitely be making more of these not just for friends and family but for us too!
INGREDIENTS
2 cups graham cracker crumbs. (15 full size crackers)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
3/4 pecans, chopped
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
DIRECTIONS
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or non stick aluminum foil, the bars can be sticky so this is important.
Mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and mix well so the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan pressing firmly.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crumb crust. Sprinkle the pecans evenly over the chocolate chip layer and finally sprinkle the coconut evenly over the top.
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk all over the top of the layers.
Bake for 25 minutes or u til the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy!
This candy recipe was an all time favorite food gift for everyone we shared them with over the holidays. I made several batches of the candy trying to get the proper pan size and the amounts just right. I also made two versions one with whiskey and one without. The candies were shared on holiday gift plates, with friends, family, fire department friends, military friends even a group of Military Generals! Each and every one came back to tell us how much they enjoyed them including the Generals!
This is a make ahead candy that needs to be in the freezer for 2 hours so plan ahead!
Makes 32 squares
INGREDIENTS
11 Oz. Bags of caramel bits (I buy them at Walmart, Kraft brand)
2 Tablespoons water
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chopped up pretzels
1 1/2 Tablespoons whiskey(can omit)
10 ounce package of chocolate flavored melting wafers such as ghirardelli
Course sea salt
I used a disposable tin pan that I found at the grocery store size 7 15/16 x 6 7/16 x 1 13/16 or
a 5 1/2 x 9 baking dish also works.
I also used 5×5 squares of wax wrapping papers. You can easily cut wax paper to the proper size.
I also used Non stick aluminum foil and non stick spray
DIRECTIONS
Line your baking dish or aluminum tin with non stick foil, be sure to have the aluminum foil go up two of the sides of the dish. Spray with non stick spray. Set aside.
In a microwave safe bowl add the caramel bits and the 2 Tablespoons of water. Microwave for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Once melted remove from the microwave and add the chopped pecans, chopped pretzels and whiskey. Stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Place your baking dish into the freezer for 2 hours.
Remove from the freezer taking the caramel out of the baking dish using the aluminum foil wings. Remove the caramel from the aluminum foil and using a sharp knife cut the caramel into 32 equal pieces.
Line a baking sheet with non stick foil and set aside.
Melt your baking chips in a microwave safe dish. Microwave for 2 minutes stirring occasionally until completely melted. Remove from the microwave and dip your caramel pieces into the chocolate a couple at a time and place them on the foil lined baking sheet. Add a small pinch of sea salt directly after dipping them and continue this until all of your candy is coated in chocolate.
Let the chocolate firm in the refrigerator. Once firm remove from fridge and wrap in wax paper.
Enjoy!
This apple crisp dish comes from “Mamma Knows Gluten Free”. I have found a number of recipes from her on Pinterest that we really love. Jim and I are not gluten free but still really enjoy many of her recipes and this recipe is exactly that.
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE TOPPING
1/2 cup gluten free all purpose flour, I used Bob’s red mill 1 for 1, that includes xanthan gum
1/2 cup gluten free quick Oats
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon gluten free baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/3 cup butter, diced into small cubes, I used earth balance
FOR THE FILLING
4 cups of apples, peeled and chopped. I used both granny smith and honey crisp apples
3 Tablespoons melted butter , I used earth balance
2 Tablespoons gluten free flour with xanthan gum
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
3 Tablespoons dairy free milk, unsweetened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS
Pre heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray an 8×8 baking dish with a gluten free non stick cooking spray.
To make the topping-
In a medium size bowl combine the crumb topping ingredients and mix with a fork until it resembles chunky crumbs, refrigerate while you prepare the apple filling.
Add the peeled and chopped apples to a large bowl. Add the lemon juice, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, gluten free flour and salt. Stir until fully combined.
Pour the apple mixture into the greased baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the top of the apples. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
These Strawberry Cobbler Bars come from Ree Drummond the Pioneer Woman. I made these bars on Valentines weekend and let me say they were gone by the end of the weekend! They were absolutely delicious. Jim had one bar warm right out of the oven and a second one not much later. I loved the sweet lime icing on the top it added such a zing of flavor! I’ll be making these again for Easter!
INGREDIENTS
FILLING
3 cups chopped strawberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 Lime, zested and juiced
CRUST AND TOP CRUMBLE
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 1/2 sticks salted butter, cubed and chilled
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 Tablespoons turbinado sugar
ICING
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
DIRECTIONS
Pre heat oven to 375 degrees.
Add the strawberries , granulated sugar, cornstarch, lime zest and lime juice to a bowl. Toss to combine and set aside.
For the crust and crumble- in a food processor combine the flour, butter, brown sugar and baking powder. Pulse until a loose crumble is formed. Continue to pulse as you add the cream.
Spray a 9×13 pan with non stick spray. Dump 2/3 of the batter into the bottom of your baking dish and press flat forming the bottom crust. Top the bottom layer with the strawberry mixture, spreading it to make an even layer over the bottom. Sprinkle over the remaining crumb mixture followed by the turbinado sugar.
Bake the bars until the top is golden brown and the strawberry layer is thick and bubbling. 28-30 minutes.
Remove from oven, allow to cool.
For the icing , whisk together the powdered sugar and the lime juice until smooth. Once the cobbler has cooled drizzle the icing over the top.
Enjoy!
These puff pastry twists were SO good! Light, lemony and crisp all in one bite! This dessert makes you dream of spring! Lemon puff pastry twists would make a great dessert for Easter or on any brunch table!
They are a little messy to work with but well worth it. These are BEST eaten the same day you make them as they do not store well. I only used one puff pastry sheet but you can double the rest of the ingredients to make a bigger batch and use the second puff pastry sheet.
INGREDIENTS
1 puff pastry sheet, thawed
2 lemons, zested
1/4 granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
INGREDIENTS FOR THE ICING
1 cup powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice , or enough to your desired consistency.
DIRECTIONS
Pre heat oven to 425 degrees.
Line 2 baking sheets with a silo at mat or tin foil sprayed with non stick spray. Set aside.
Mix the lemon zest with the sugar and set aside. Unroll the pastry sheet and place it on a large cutting board.
Brush the dough with the melted butter and sprinkle the lemon sugar over the butter.
Cut the dough into strips about 1 inch in width, I used my pizza cutter for this. Pick up each strip and twist a couple of times and place on your baking sheet. Do this for each pastry strip.
Bake 13-15 minutes or until golden brown.
While the puff pastry is cooking mix your icing ingredients together mixing well getting the desired consistency. I like this icing on the thicker side.
Allow the lemon twists to cool then drizzle with icing.
Serve the same day.
Enjoy!
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