Festive Caramel Bars

This recipe is from my mom's collection of holiday sweets and treats. She usually likes to make caramel bars, but this year we made these Festive Caramel Bars. 

Festive Caramel Bars

Cook Time: 30-35 min

Total Time: 50 min

Ingredients

• 32 individual wrapped caramels
• 2/3 c evaporated milk
• 1/2 c margarine, melted
• 1/2 c firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 c uncooked quick oats
• 1 2/3 c (10 oz pkg) Nestlé Toll House® Holiday Morsels
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 c flour

Baking Instructions

1. Combine caramels and evaporated milk in heavy saucepan; cook over low heat. Stir occasionally until caramels are melted and mixture is blended.
2. Combine flour, oats, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add the melted margarine, mixing until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 cup top layer. 
3. Press remaining mixture onto bottom of greased 9 x 13-in baking pan. Bake at 375° F for 10 min.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of holiday morsels over partially baked crust. Drizzle melted caramel mixture over morsels. Sprinkle over reserved crumb mixture and remaining holiday morsels on top. 
5. Continue baking 20-25 min or until golden brown.
6. Cool slightly; chill for 30 min. Cut into bars. 

Chocolate Peanut Bark

Chocolate Peanut Bark

Easy chocolate treat to make for any occasion!

Prep Time: 10 min

Total Time: 30 min

Ingredients

• 1 pkg semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 jar of unsalted dry roasted peanuts (16 oz)

Baking Instructions

1. Line cookie sheet with wax paper. 
2. Pour unsalted dry roasted peanuts onto lined cookie sheet. Spread out evenly.
3. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 to 60 second intervals, stirring each time until morsels are evenly melted.
4. Pour melted chocolate onto peanuts. Let chocolate peanut bark cool on cookie sheet for 5 min. 
5. Place cookie sheet into the refrigerator for chocolate to settle for about 15-20 min.
6. For serving, break chocolate peanut bark into individual-sized pieces.