Seven Layer Cookies

For Seven Layer Cookies you only need seven ingredients and the whole dessert is made in one 13x9 pan.  It couldn't be easier!

Ingredients:
1 stick of butter or margarine
1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup butterscotch flavored chips
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 and 1/3 cups sweetened coconut flakes
1 cup chopped nuts

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (325°F for glass dish).

2. In the 13x9 baking pan melt butter in the oven.

3. Sprinkle the crumbs over butter. With a fork, form the crumbs into a crust. 

4. Pour condensed milk evenly on top of crust.

4. Top with remaining ingredients in order listed; press down firmly with fork.

5. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

6. Cool or chill if desired.  Cut into bars.  Take your time cutting to make nice neat pieces.   Cover and  store at room temperature.

Makes 24-36 bars.

Cooking Note - These were a hit at work.  M suggested peanut butter chips; next time I think I will substitute the butterscotch ones for pb chips, or maybe even use dark chocolate chips.

Mom's Protein Balls

Here's a yummy, healthy treat for school lunches or an anytime snack. My mom has been making these protein balls for years.  It's a great way to use up the cereal at the bottom of the bag or whatever dried fruit you have in your pantry.  That's exactly what I did yesterday with the frosted mini-wheats and golden raisins. 

For the protein balls you'll need:
1/2 cup peanut butter (plain or crunchy)
3/4 cup dry milk
1/2 cup flax seed meal
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup crushed cereal (rice cereal, corn flakes, shredded wheat, whatever you like)

In a mixing bowl, combine the above ingredients.

Then add:
1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries (I used a little bit of both.)
1/3 cup chocolate chips

Mix together and roll into teaspoon-size balls.  Keep refrigerated until ready to eat so the balls stay together. 

Makes 16 protein balls.

Campfire Cones

These campfire cones were an awesome addition to our camping trip.  My friends and I still made the traditional S'Mores, but also assembled and ate campfire cones when it was time for our second dessert.  The recipe calls for sugar cones, mini-chocolate chips, peanut butter, bananas, and mini-marshmallows.  We made these for two different camping trips - with and without the marshmallows.

I was disappointed that the marshmallows did not melt as well as the other ingredients. Next time we make campfire cones, we'll either omit the marshmallows, or toast them first (like for S'Mores).

Look how the warm peanut butter and chocolate just ooze out. What's not to love about melted peanut butter, chocolate, and bananas in a crunchy cone!