I was so excited ... we got invited to a block party! Doesn't it seem like you can go forever without a single social event and then all of a sudden you're having breakfast with friends, meetings with caterers, and getting invited to a BBQ? Maybe our neighbors felt like they had to invite us since we live down the street. We'd be able to tell they were having a party in the yard. And I guess it was pretty hard to keep it from us since the couple hosting the party was our son and new daughter-in-law so I guess they had to invite us! Oh the perks of having grown children - we get to play with their friends too! I bet they knew I would bring something homemade to share.
Do you remember Revel Bars from long, long ago? There used to be a box mix available I made several times as a young girl. I saw Revel Bars posted on a blog a few years ago and put them on my list of 'someday' desserts. These are perfect for a picnic or block party so someday has arrived!
Beating butter, sugar and eggs is always very therapeutic for me anyway. It makes me happy!
Toss in the dry ingredients and you have a great base for these cookie bars.
Yup. That is sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips - oh me oh my!
Press 2/3 to 3/4 of the oat crumb mixture into the bottom of an ungreased baking sheet.
Spread the fudgy chocolate mixture on the base. It will be OK to lick the spoon now.
Just one more layer!
Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top leaving open spaces so the chocolate can peek through. Press lightly to even it up a bit. Bake, cool, cut and enjoy!
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| Chocolate Peanut Butter Revel Bars |
These Revel Bars disappeared so quickly. I never saw them again once placed on the food table at the block party. They are easy to make, travel well and taste delicious!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Revel Bars
For the Crust:
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (1 1/2 sticks)
2 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup old fashioned oats
1 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Layer:
1 (10oz.) package bittersweet chocolate chips - about 1 1/2 cups
(I used Ghirardelli 60% cacao or semi-sweet is fine too)
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl beat together 3/4 butter and peanut butter until creamy - about 30 seconds. Add the brown sugar and beat on medium speed until blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the baking soda and 2 teaspoons vanilla and mix until blended.
In a medium bowl combine the oats, flour and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture and blend on low until all the dry ingredients are incorporated. Scrape the sides and blend one more time until a crumbly dough forms. Set aside.
In a small saucepan combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and butter. Heat on medium low until the chocolate is melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the last two teaspoons vanilla.
Press 2/3 to 3/4 of the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 15x10x1 inch ungreased baking dish. Spread the chocolate mixture on top. Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top in clumps. Press gently to make the top more even. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until the top is very lightly browned. Cool and cut into bars. Store in an airtight container.
(Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook)
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Well I think we're about ready for our daughter's wedding. I was invited to attend a meeting with the DJ, and the florist/cake decorator. Everything is confirmed, checks are written and we're in pre-company mode. Do you have a 'mode' for events such as these? I get a game face, or so I've been told. I'm on a mission, and all those loose ends must be tied and trimmed, new mulch in the flower beds and the house cleaned. I'm getting pretty excited!
Let me ask you something - what do you think about mother/daughters dancing together at the reception? Not formal like father-daughter, and not like the first dance as a married couple, just a no big deal mom and daughter time. We've always danced together and are thinking about it. Thanks so much for your input and thanks for stopping by!
Tricia
