Mix-and-Match Cookie Bars

I admit that I am both a creature of habit and a lover of variety. How could that be? Well, with food, I like to find basic recipes that I can switch around ingredients in to come up with familiar foods that have new twists. These cookie bars fit that odd little desire of mine, are quick to make, and come out perfectly every single time. With this recipe, mix and match baking chips, candy pieces, and nuts to come up with the perfect take-along for any occasion. My favorite combos so far are all chocolate chips with pecans and hazelnuts; white chips with macadamia nuts, and butterscotch chips, caramel candy bits with pecans. Experiment for yourself and see what you discover! Then let us know: thesoutherndish@gmail.com!

Mix and Match Cookie Bars

For the crust you'll need:
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour, such as White Lily
1/2 c. Splenda or brown or white sugar (simply a matter of preference)
1/2 c. of Smart Balance or butter, cold
1/2 c. baking chips (chocolate, white, butterscotch, peanut butter, whatever)
non-stick cooking spray

For the topping you'll need:
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 t. pure vanilla extract (or other flavoring if desired)
1 c. candy pieces or baking chips (chocolate, white or butterscotch chips, M&M's, chopped caramel candies, crumbled Heath bar, etc,)
1 c. chopped nuts (any favorite)

Preheat the oven to 350 and spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar or Splenda, and cold butter (cut into pieces) or margarine. Using a pastry blender or two butter knives. blend / cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in baking chips. This will still look very dry but that is fine; it is supposed to. Press firmly into sprayed baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.

While crust is baking, combine sweetened condensed milk, egg, and vanilla. Mix well. Stir in candy and nuts. When crust is finished baking, spread topping over crust and return to oven. Bake another 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Remove from over. Use a spatula to loosen the edges but leave in the pan. Place pan wire rack and cool completely. Cut into 36 bars.