Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Ooey Gooey Layered Bars

Last June, when I was visiting Kelly, we baked together and one of the bars we made were 7-layer Bars.  These bars became popular in the late 50s and 60s when I grew up.  My mother would bake these wonderful bars, but we called them Conga Bars...why, I don't know.  I've pumped up the flavors and decided to rename my bars Ooey Gooey Layered Bars.  The ooey gooey comes from a play session I had with Ari when I made up a batch of "play dough".  I told him to put his hands into the dough and when he did, I exclaimed, "ooey gooey!"  He giggled so hard and his laughter filled the house that Kelly came in from the living room to see what was so funny.  Her "boys" as she would call Matt and Ari, made us all laugh and we loved the silliness they added to what would be very serious at times with cancer.  I needed to laugh today and share a memory. 

Ooey Gooey Layered Bars

5 cups graham cracker crumbs *
1 cup melted butter
2 cups chocolate chips**
2 cups sweetened coconut
2 cans-14oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 1/2 cups chopped toasted Pecans, optional

*I didn't have 5 cups graham cracker crumbs.  Oh, I suppose I could have baked up a batch of graham crackers, but instead I saw a box of Girl Scout Do-si-dos cookies my husband had bought while I was away in Taiwan.  I used one package, ground in the food processor.  Try any of your favorite cookies ground to equal the amount needed.
**I used 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup butterscotch chips,  try mixing up your favorite assortment.

Butter a 9" x 13" baking pan.  Line the bottom with parchment.  Preheat oven 325F-degrees.  In a glass bowl mix the crumbs with the melted butter, then, press into the prepared pan.


Sprinkle the chips over the crumbs, then, sprinkle with the coconut.  Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the the mixture.  If you're using nuts, sprinkle over top.

Bake 35 to 40 minutes until the top is a golden brown.


Let cool 30 minutes.  Run a straight spatula or knife around the edges.  If you used a springform baking pan, like I did, remove the sides.  Cool an additional two hours before cutting into squares.  Enjoy and share the laughter!

9 comments:

  1. I know I've told you this but, the first time I ever had these was in the eight grade when Kelly brought them to school in her lunch. I thought they were the best things I had ever tasted! They have always reminded me of you all and they always will. Now, I just need a peanut butter and pickle sandwich :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I had a peanut butter and pickle sandwich yesterday...I cried!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I appreciate so much hearing your stories about Kelly, this story is precious Susan. Your recipes will take on even more special a meaning when I cook them. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dearest Nicole: My thoughts are full of Kelly stories! Especially this last year. Both the girls are such a part of me and what my purpose in life was. I'm trying to fill the emptiness with all the good memories and the memories to come with my grandchildren. I know you understand and I love you, Susan xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear Susan

    A BIG hug to you today from me Susan. Keeping Kelly's memories alive is so important and I am so happy you are sharing them with us on your blog. What a wonderful Mother you are..I hope I can be this to my two young girls too.

    Lots of love to you and I shall remember to add laughter when Brogan makes these.

    Love
    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love these bars too. I just have to be a little more like my sister and less concerned about how messy they are when my 18 month old eats them and chocolate is all over her hands and mouth. I was too quick to offer her a "clean" snickerdoodle when you made both at the house last week. Love, Erin

    ReplyDelete
  7. Susan,
    Joe has been checking out your blog too and can't wait till we make these bars. Maybe when Waylon gets more teeth he can try them too.
    Sending lots of love
    Christina

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is my homework for the weekend. You had me at gooey.

    ReplyDelete
  9. You had me at ooey! love you, eileen

    ReplyDelete