Flashback Friday-and Christmas Cookie Countdown Two Days To Go-Magic Cookie Bars

 Here is a picture of our late rescue pug Bingo on his first Christmas with us.   His first Christmas was when we decided to adopt him after fostering him for four months.


Two days to Christmas!  Here is the recipe for my favorite bar cookies.   They are so unbelievably rich that the ingredient list is a bit distressing, but at Christmas you can justify it.  They disappear just like magic.

Magic Cookie Bars, adapted from Magnolia Bakery 

4 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups chopped walnuts
1 cup mini chocolate chips
4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
3 fourteen-ounce cans sweetened condensed milk

Baking Temperature: 325 degrees
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes

1. In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Press firmly into an ungreased 12 x 18″ jelly roll pan.
2. Sprinkle over this the walnuts, then the chocolate chips, and then the shredded coconut.
3. On top, pour over three cans of sweetened condensed milk evenly to completely cover the coconut. Use a spatula if needed.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.
5. Allow bars to cool to room temperature before cutting and serving.