This week’s Sweet is known by several names, Seven Layer Cookie Bars, Magic Cookie Bars and Hello Dollies. Whatever you wish to call these, they are tasty and super simple! This recipe was easy to de-gluten, I replaced regular graham crackers with Kinnikinnick S’moreables Graham Style Crackers.
Hello Dollies
Non-stick cooking spray
1 1/2 cups gluten-free graham style cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 14 oz. can sweeetened condensed milk
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts (I used pecans)
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Combine graham-style cracker crumbs and melted butter, mix well. Press firmly into bottom of pan.
Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture.
Layer evenly with remaining ingredients, press down firmly with fork.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Loosen from sides of pan while still warm, cool on wire rack. Cut into bars, makes 24.
This week’s Sweet Friend is Suzanne. We share the same profession and the same enthusiasm about many things in life, namely dogs. Like me, Suzanne does not have children but does have two adorable fur-kids, Snickers and Doodle.
Suzanne pursues life with gusto and enthusiasm. She always has a BIG hug for me and even chatting on-line with her feels like a giant hug. Occasionally we get the chance to work together or attend the same convention and it is always a treat. While I wish that Suzanne didn’t live in Colorado, I am so glad she does because every time I work there, I get the extra bonus of seeing her and her dogs!
When I first went gluten-free, Suzanne would send me photos of gluten-free goodies she spotted at Sprouts, a chain of healthy grocery markets in California, Arizona, Colorado and Texas. One day I got a surprise box in the mail from Suzanne, gluten-free cake mixes made by a little company in Colorado. It was so sweet of Suzanne to go to the effort to send goodies and to always be on the lookout for gluten-free products for me. Friends like Suzanne have sure made this transition easier.
Here’s another thing about Suzanne that makes me grin: when we met in Colorado for breakfast at Snooze, I gave Suzanne a container of the yummy Hello Dollies. There was a significant wait for a table at Snooze, so Suzanne broke right into the cookie bars. At nine in the morning. Yep, she’s like that and I love that about her! To add to the joy of seeing a friend enjoy a sweet treat before breakfast, Suzanne was not just willing but enthusiastic to try any of the gluten-free entrees on the menu at Snooze. We split three entrees, everyone good enough to try again. It’s a joy sharing food with Suzanne because she doesn’t immediately discount gluten-free food as distasteful or flavorless.
Wow, I'm not sure why I only saw this tonight….? I certainly remember your visit! LOL I TOTALLY remember how AMAZING your Hello Dollies tasted and still enjoy the container with my name on it! Ha!
Wow…..I think this tops of one of the BEST DAYS EVER for me. Great party this morning, finding the very last batch of super sweet cherry tomatoes at my market down the street, an amazing dinner with my sister downtown followed by the musical HAIR, now, to read this wonderful post about our visit that day! Wow…I'm feeling really, really loved right now!
Thank you for being a friend with such integrity, brilliance and of course, DOGS! I look forward to another visit. I hope sooner rather than later! It is always a pleasure to be near you.
Oh, to anyone who discounts gluten free food as distasteful or flavorless…..HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA……you know nothing! Walk into Johnna's kitchen and your mouth will water instantly! She is amazing in the kitchen! I'll take her gluten free food over any other food any time!!!
HUGS!
Suzanne