Seven Layer Bars | Simple By Cindy

Many of us make resolutions for the new year. Many of us also make them and never follow through. Even if we don’t follow through, the resolutions are always on our minds.

Maybe if we make a resolution about something we are passionate about, then we are more likely to carry it out. I set cooking goals for myself all the time. Not unobtainable ones, just small ones! If you are passionate about cooking I have some thoughts for you for this new year.

Ordering in: try to be prepared for your meals so you order less take-out. I recommend buying fresh meat from a butcher so you can freeze it and take it out when you need it. I will take out a steak from the freezer the night before I am going to cook it and place it in the refrigerator. Then, I quickly sauté or roast a vegetable with it. That’s it! Dinner is done and it is fresh and healthy.

Cookbooks: go through your cookbook collection and pick out some new, interesting recipes you want to make in the new year. Make a copy of it and take it with you so you have the ingredients on hand the next time you are at the grocery store.

Spices: be honest, how old are they? Are you keeping them in a dark, dry cabinet? The shelf life for spices is about eight months. If it is New Years, and you haven’t used it since this time last year, then it is time to throw it out and get a new one. Try to remember to put the date on them when you buy them. (I am guilty of not doing this too!)

Chicken: teach yourself how to roast one. It just needs a few spices. Throw some salt and pepper on it and some lemons or oranges and herbs in the cavity. Roast it at 350°F for about 1 1/2 hours. Then you have some free time to prepare a side or relax and read a book. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

Now that you have made some resolutions, here is an easy, sinfully delicious recipe to make in the New Year. I tasted one at a Christmas party and knew I had to try to make them. It has a buttery graham cracker crust that is covered in layers of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped nuts. It is then filled with a coating of sweetened condensed milk that is topped off with coconut. You can substitute any kind of chips such as peanut butter or semisweet, to make it perfect for you. It has become my all-time favorite bar, and I will be making it often. So should you! Perfect to bring to any New Year celebration, these bars will be the hit of the party!

I want to wish all of you a very happy and healthy New Year, and thank you all for support and wonderful comments. I have been lucky I have such kind followers like you.

This recipe will make about 12 bars that will captivate each lucky person who dives in.

Ingredients for Seven Layer Bars:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups graham crackers crumbs
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup chopped pecans
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups shredded sweet coconut

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place butter in a bowl in microwave oven until melted (about 1 minute).

Pour butter into 13 x 9-inch baking pan and swirl it around to coat bottom and sides with butter.