Coconut-Chocolate Cookie Bars

These bars are perfect for anytime eating. These sweet coconut-chocolate bars are easy to make without eggs and wheat. First, you will have to find a granola or granola bar you like that does not contain wheat. The granola will become the bottom of the bar; I think of it like the crust in a cheese cake.

Everyone I gave these cookies to this Christmas LOVED them. I even accidentally burned them while talking on the phone. I had to scrape a little of the too toasty almonds off the top, and they were still a hit. Enjoy the recipe, and add nuts or dried fruit to the bars as you see fit. Try not to talk on the phone while cooking the bars to avoid accidental burning.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Makes: 2-3 dozen

1 1/2 cups granola or mashed granola bars (wheat free)
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted (you can use a canola margarine)
1 can (14 ounces condensed milk)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate or carob chips
1 1/3 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts (I use almonds)

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In a small bowel combine the granola with the butter.
3. Press the granola mixture onto the bottom of a 13x9 baking pan.
4. Pour condensed milk over the top of the granola mixture.
5. Layer the nuts and coconut on top of the condensed milk and granola.
6. Use a fork to press down on the ingredients so they are firmly packed.
7. Bake for 25 minutes until lightly browned.
8. Wait until cool before you cut into bars or diamond shapes. Store at room temperature covered.
9. EAT!

Holiday Treats Everyone Loves: FUDGE!

Ok, I've been baking for the last month due to Christmas. We gave out fudge, and cookies (snicker-doodle-like) for presents this year. They are egg less and wheat free. Everyone loves the fudge because it tastes like chocolate, and they all enjoy the cookies because they have coconut in them AND chocolate! I will post the cookie recipe after I publish this fudge recipe. This is for people who want something easy to make for friends who don't eat eggs or wheat.

Here is the recipe for fudge--if you use the microwave it is extra easy to make, and it makes about 2 pounds of fudge.

Prep: 10 minutes

Chilling Time: 2 hours

3 cups vegan, carob, or any other semi-sweet chocolate chip
1 (14 oz can sweetened condensed milk--I use organic)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons butter (optional)

1. Use a saucepan over low heat to melt chocolate--or use microwave stirring every minuteadd the condensed milk as chocolate begins to melt--keep stirring.
2. Stir mixture until creamy and not lumpy. Add any nuts or marshmallows now.
3. Pour the mixture over a lined 9 inch square pan.
4. Chill for 2 hours. Peel off the wax paper and cut into squares. Eat.