The past few weeks I have gotten reacquainted with an old friend, Magic Cookie Bars.  Thank you Sweetwater’s at Landall’s   https://www.facebook.com/Sweetwaters-at-Landalls-848294101981525/?fref=ts and The Happy Place https://www.facebook.com/The-Happy-Place-148312641909368/?fref=ts .  I had forgotten how much I liked these and how simple they are to make.  Downfall when they are in my house I feel obligated to eat them, opposed to purchasing just one, OKAY two. I will be the first to admit, self-control not my strong suit, I have more control when I am spending my money on them.
The hubs had to take food to work and I made desserts.  This gave me a reason to make and snack on these.  Really, you can’t send the not pretty ones or corners, so I sacrificed myself for the cause.  Let me tell you, I took one for the team.  Your Welcome.
I remember exactly when I was introduced to Magic Cookie Bars.  I was in high school and my Aunt made them.  I can date my love of coconut to high school for sure, between that and Hobo Cake …this is for all of you that were in Portales in the 70’s.  Da Hobo Haus… My best friend Karla worked there… they had great food, or just maybe it was just my 17-year-old self.  I will be making the Hobo Cake soon, yum!  It’s probably a good thing you can’t see me now, the thought just evokes drool.
Magic Cookie Bars
recipe from Eagle Brand
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (if you are using the crackers just use 1 pkg, it’s a lil more)
1 (14 ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cups semisweet chocolate   (my preference is the minis)
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut (naturally a little more)
1 cup chopped nuts
If you want to make this into a Seven Layer Bar, just cut the chocolate chips to 1 cup and use butterscotch and/or white chocolate chips to make up the difference.
Preheat oven to 350 Coat a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.  For even easier removal, you can line with parchment.  I did & found find took a little longer to bake.  Bonus less clean up and much easier to cut.
Combine the graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan.  Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture.  Layer evening with chocolate chips, coconut (def more coconut in my case) and nuts.  Press firmly down with a fork.  Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned.   I have found it takes a little more time. Cut into bars or diamonds.  Store covered at room temperature, that is if there is any left to store!
Voila’