Magic Cookie Bars

Ideal for a special occasion, magic cookie bars are a perfect way to kickstart the winter and holiday season. Sweet and simple, magic cookie bars consist of a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with condensed milk and a variety of toppings. Magic cookie bars are easy to make and have a rich, sweet, chocolatey taste, balanced with hints of coconut and nuts. Add sweet baking chips, flaked coconuts, chopped nuts or—for some holiday flair—M&M’s. What makes the recipe truly unique is its versatility, as it allows for virtually any topping combination. Yielding 12 three-by-four inch bars, magic cookie bars will deliver a truly magical experience this holiday season.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 14 oz. condensed milk
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup butterscotch chips
• 1/3 cup flaked coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Optional: M&M’s

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with vegetable oil.
2. In a bowl, combine the melted butter and the graham cracker crumbs. Mix until well combined and spread the mixture across the whole pan.
3. Pour the condensed milk over the crumb mixture.
4. Top the remaining ingredients onto the condensed milk.
5. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Cut into desired size after thoroughly cooling.
7. Enjoy!

French Madeleines

Originating in France, madeleines are a French pastry staple known for their shell-like shape and hump. They are a soft mini sponge cake, rich in flavor, with a buttery sweet taste. Madeleines are relatively less complex than other French pastries, but there are still a few tricky steps. This 24-m

adeleine recipe makes for a perfect holiday snack. Preparation and baking time take at least an hour, with kitchen equipment including madeleine baking pans (substitute with a cupcake tray) and an electric mixer. Top the madeleines with powdered sugar (and sprinkles for extra festivity) and enjoy this classic French pastry with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Optional: Powdered sugar, lemon zest, sprinkles or chocolate ganache

Recipe

1. Melt the butter until a liquid substance and let it cool aside. 
2. Sift and fold all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs and sugar at medium-high speed in an electric mixer until the mixture turns into a light and thick consistency. This step will take around five minutes. 
4. Add vanilla extract and continue beating the mixture. 
5. Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Do not over mix, as the batter will deflate.
6. Fold the melted butter into the mixture. Again, be careful not to over mix.
7. Cover the mixture with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, until the mixture is slightly firm. 
8. Grease two madeleine pans with butter and lightly dust the molds with flour. Tap out the excess flour.
9. Drop an ample amount of mixture into the center of the buttered and floured molds. Make sure to leave the batter in the center, which will create the signature “humped” appearance of the madeleine. 
10. Bake in a 375°F oven for 11 minutes, until the madeleine turns golden brown and the centers spring back when touched. 
11. Remove the pan from the oven and lightly tap the pan for the madeleines to come out of the molds.
12. Serve with topping as desired (powdered sugar, lemon zest, melted chocolate dip or sprinkles) and enjoy!