Ashley and I both made these bars independently. When I asked her how she liked them, she said it perfectly, “This is what a cookie bar should be!” We’ve both noticed that all too often the cookie bars at bakeries, delis, etc, just don’t match the expectation we have in our heads. Could be a hidden and unwelcome fruitiness, maybe not enough chocolate, just plain dry, or outright bland. Well these chocolate caramel bars will NOT disappoint. They have plenty of caramel, chocolate, butter and gooey goodness, along with just the right amount of crunch. See? Everything a cookie bar should be. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘bars’
salted caramel butter bars
I’m a total sucker for anything “salted caramel”–gelato, macarons, chocolates–you get it. So when Anna showed me this recipe, I immediately rearranged my schedule so I could make (and eat) these bars ASAP. Please note that when I say “rearranged my schedule,” I mean “took this opportunity to justify skipping out on the gym.” Bad, I know. But eating butter and sugar while watching the predictably melodramatic series finale of Desperate Housewives is basically equal to working out, right? (Yes, I said Desperate Housewives. I’m also a sucker for crappy TV, but no need to discuss that now.)
Anyway, my laziness was rewarded because these bars were delicious . . . one coworker may have used the term “phenomenal.” (Hey I’m not trying to brag, just trying to convince you that you need these bars in your life.) So I guess what I’m saying is this: stay home from the gym, or toss out your to-do list, or procrastinate those errands, or just do whatever you need to do to make these salted caramel bars your highest priority. I promise they’re worth it!
coconut-key lime bars
OK, Ashley and I have noticed a trend in our post write-ups: easy and delicious. Although we do love a challenge when we have some extra time (and I swear it’s not due to an uncreative or unimaginative vocabulary!), easy and delicious just seem to be our style. So here’s another amazingly easy and delicious recipe that we highly recommend. Seriously, even if you’re not a big coconut or lime fan, you could really enjoy these treats. And by the way, we tried a few other disappointing coconut and lime recipes (love you Martha, but this pie was deceptively beautiful) before striking gold with this one. So when we say delicious, we MEAN delicious! Promise.
raspberry almond bars
These here bars are some of our absolute favorite treats of all time! We know we love them, and we know they are delicious, but when we actually make them they manage to far exceed expectations, EVERY TIME!! Raspberry and almond are truly a match made in heaven. (more…)
sugar cookie bars
Top ‘o the morning to ya! I’ve wanted to make these sugar cookie bars for soooo long and I found St. Patrick’s Day to be the perfect opportunity. You know, ’cause they’re green. We shared this batch with Andrew’s English class at church and I’ve plenty leftover to share with some family friends coming tomorrow night. Seriously, this recipe made a whole bunch. And dang they were easy! Tasty too. A touch on the dry side, but I did overcook them by a couple minutes, so that can be easily remedied. Overall, great flavor and simple to prepare. Highly recommend. (more…)
s’mores cookie bars
I hate the words, “cool completely before cutting.” I’m sure most people have the necessary restraint, but I invariably cut (and eat) far before my desserts have cooled. The result? Slightly burned mouth and not so pretty presentation. But I never learn my lesson, nope, doesn’t stop me from doing it again the next time.
I’ve wanted to make these bars since I saw them over at Lovin’ From the Oven around Christmas time. It took me seven months to assemble all the ingredients here in Japan. (more…)
strawberry swirl cheesecake bars
You know, I like cheesecake, I really do. I just never realize how much I like it until I’m eating it. Therefore I never, ever make it. Just doesn’t seem worth the effort (or the fat, to be blunt). But these cheesecake bars looked too easy to pass up. I felt they included all the good things a traditional cheesecake has to offer, rich and creamy with a buttery graham crust, but none of the hassle or intimidation. (more…)
gooey butter toffee cake
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Not in this case. Just couldn’t capture the allure of these bars with a photo. The name gives you a better idea of their decadence, but to truly understand these must be eaten. Probably the most addictive things I’ve posted so far, and that’s saying a whole lot. I made them on a Tuesday afternoon to share with friends the next day. (more…)
blueberry pie bars with lemon sugar
I’d describe these as a very rich, very decadent, yet very portable cobbler. Not so much a pie bar. But delish. Next time I’m going to try 3/4 recipe in the same size pan, I think they’ll be a little more manageable that way. (I’m getting pretty good with those fractions on the fly!) (more…)