The Chosen One

Okay - The Eagle (I mean, the apron) has landed...right in my mailbox! In our last go around, I received our beloved Scarf from Sara. Now this time I'm receiving the spot-free,stain-free (and-it-will-stay-that-way-thank-you-very-much-because-there's-no-way-I'm-doin'-any-washing-and-pressing, Mrs. Mac!) Apron from Sara! I'm beginning to notice a pattern here...and it's not the floral pattern of the apron! hmmmm?

Anyway...it should be an interesting week here in Apron Land. Typically, I cook often, however, Brillo Man is scheduled to have his right hip replaced next week (again.) It failed the first time - long story - don't get me started... Therefore, this week will be busy - lot's of last-minute appointments and to-do lists to complete before he is out of commission for several months and I add another 'hat' to my head and become his nurse.

I may be doing more microwaving and reheating this week than actual cooking. I have a freezer full of quick, last-minute meals for busy times, however, I just may surprise myself and cook a seven-course dinner served up with my best china and antique silver flatware. (Right. Not going to happen ever in this lifetime!)

One thing I do know is that I will be providing a lot of "comfort food" for us this week. Understandably, Brillo Man is not looking forward to having hip revision surgery, even though it will take care of his hip and alleviate the pain he is experiencing, the process will not be fun. Therefore, he (and I) MUST have lots of comfort food!

When he took off this morning for yet another doctor's appointment, I got out all the ingredients to make Magic Cookie Bars. I have always called them "those 7-layer cookies with the graham cracker crust and chocolate chips and coconut." But my cute Borden Eagle Brand 1-2-3 Dessert Sweetened Condensed Milk Cookbook that's shaped like a can of condensed milk which I recently purchased at a kitchen outlet store calls them "Magic Cookie Bars." Who am I to argue? Magic Cookie Bars, they are!

1/2 cup (1 Stick) Butter or Margarine
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
(obviously, you can substitute any brand of less-expensive sweetened condensed milk)
2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (325 for glass dish). In a 13x9 inch baking pan, melt butter in oven. (I just microwaved it for a minute.)

Sprinkle crumbs over butter. Mix well and press in pan. Pour condensed milk evenly over the crumbs. Layer evenly with remaining incredients: press down firmly.

Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Chill, if desired. Cut into bars. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

Makes 2 to 3 dozen bars.

You may also substitue 1 cup of the chocolate chips with butterscotch-flavored chips, peanut-butter-flavored chips or white chocolate chips. Or mix a little of each for a "seven-layer" cookie bar!

I used chocolate and butterscotch chips along with chopped walnuts and coconut.


Note the cute Jack-O-Lantern Tea Towels I used as 'pot-holders' which Sara sent along with the apron! I don't have many holiday-specific tea towels, because while I think they're adorable, I start thinking that perhaps I'm wasting my money on towels that I can only use at certain times of the year. However, I really like these towels and am very glad that Sara wasted her money to purchase them and include them in the package!

(Sara, you know I'm kidding and I love you AND the towels!!)



There are no photos of myself with the Apron in this post as I am currently home alone and am unable to take a photo of myself with the apron. Not wanting to disappoint those who want to see 'people pics,' here is one of Olivia at our recent jaunt to my Alma Mater, Edinboro University, to celebrate Homecoming.