Monday, January 4, 2010

Dump Bars-Two Versions

The name doesn't sound very pretty,but these bars are so easy to make & modify!The basic recipe will be followed by modifications. Lemon Craisin Coconut Bars
Ginger Coconut Bars.
You'll Need:
1/2 c. butter,melted
1 2/3 c. crumbs for crust(cookies,crackers,cereal,etc)
1 c. flavored chips(chocolate,vanilla,butterscotch,peanut butter,etc)
1/2-3/4 c. chopped nuts
1 c. flake coconut(I always use the Kroger brand unsweetened kind found at Smith's)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
To Make:
~Spray 9"x13" pan with cooking spray.This is very important,especially the sides.The sweetened condensed milk will stick badly to the sides & make the edges too hard.
~Pour melted butter in pan to coat the bottom evenly.
~Layer crumbs,flavored chips,nuts & coconut.Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over all ingredients.Bake 25-30 minutes(bake til just slightly brown on top) in 350-degree preheated oven.Cool completely(I leave mine in the pan,covered,overnight)before cutting into squares.

Lemon Craisin version:
Anna's Lemon Flavored Thins(I get mine in a 2-pack at Big Lots),1 pack for crust.
Vanilla chips
3/4 c. brazil nuts(we get the big containers of deluxe mixed nuts at Costco or Sam's.The Brazil nuts are our least favorite,so I pick them out & put them in a container to use for these bars.)
Ginger version:
Anna's Ginger Flavored Thins(2-pack from Big Lots),1 pack for crust.
1/2 c each chocolate chips & vanilla chips
Variations:
Anna's Flavored Thins also come in Almond Cinnamon,Cappuccino,Chocolate Mint,Orange & Vanilla Chocolate Chip.I like these because the crush good in my little chopper & aren't too sweet.The one pack is just the right amout!
I have also used Ritz crackers for the crust.Gives the bars a saltier taste.Vanilla wafers worked,but were pretty tasteless.Cheerios gave the bars an "oaty" taste.
For the chips,I have used leftover mini chocolate bars leftover from Halloween.
Butterscotch chips are good with the Ritz cracker crust.
Peanuts are good,almonds not as much.I have also used mixed nuts.
You can use sweetened coconut,I just prefer the unsweetened.You get ore of a coconut taste.

You can add or subtract just about anything!
I would like to hear your versions!

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