Monday, October 11, 2010

Nut Goodie Bars

These are the bars that gave me the nickname of "The Sugar Queen". After reading the recipe you'll probably be able to tell why. However, in my defense: I only make them once or twice a year, they make a huge amount since I cut them very small, and I make them at Christmas-time to give away as gifts. They're always appreciated ... or at least I'm told so! They taste pretty close to the real thing, too! Just in case you're thinking "No way, could I use that much pwd sugar in the filling!" ~ you can use less, and I have; it will be softer, is all. So feel free to adapt this recipe as you see fit. Oh, and you can easily make these without the nuts, too, as seen in the bars pictured on the right.



1 (12-oz) pkg milk chocolate chips ... I use 2 pkgs of chocolate chips
1 (12-oz) pkg butterscotch chips ... I use 2 pkgs of butterscotch chips
1/2 cup peanut butter ... I use up to 1 cup since I'm using more chocolate and butterscotch chips
2 cups salted peanuts

Filling
1 cup butter
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 (3-oz) pkg Cook & Serve vanilla pudding mix, NOT instant
2 lbs (7 1/2 cups) pwd sugar (may use less - in fact, I always use much less and prefer it that way- I'd say I use a good 2 cups less - use your judgement)
1 tsp vanilla (I use maple flavoring, and often will double the amount)

Butter a jelly roll pan. (Note: I line the pan with parchment paper, cutting it down to size, but leaving it long enough on the short sides, so that the bars can be lifted out of the pan. This will make for much easier cutting and removal from the pan.)
In a saucepan, melt together the chocolate and butterscotch chips, over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and add the peanut butter, stirring until it is melted and mixture is smooth. Spread half of the chocolate mixture into the bottom of the prepared jelly roll pan. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling. Stir the peanuts into the remaining chocolate mixture and set aside, but keep warm.

In another saucepan, melt the butter. Slowly add the evaporated milk. Stir in the pudding mix. Cook, stirring constantly until mixture is slightly thickened. Do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in the pwd sugar and vanilla. (This step can be done with an electric mixer, to make nice and smooth.) Cool slightly.

Carefully spread the Filling over the chilled chocolate layer. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Warm up the remaining chocolate mixture and drop by spoonfuls onto the Filling layer. Spread to cover. Refrigerate until chocolate is set.

Remove the bars from the pan by lifting out by the overhanging parchment paper. If you do not do this, the bars have a tendency to separate when you try to remove them. You can use waxed paper if you don't have parchment paper. Cut into small bars and store in a tightly covered container.












12 comments:

Ginger @ Crock Pot Recipe Exchange said...

Oh My Gosh! All I have to say is... why can't we be neighbors? LOL Those look amazing (and rich, and irresistible... all at the same time). Thanks for sharing ;)

Kathy said...

Lol, Ginger! =)

The Church Cook said...

Sugar Queen, you did again. I gained five pounds just gawking at them.

Kathy said...

I do my best! ;)

whatsfordinneracrossstatelines said...

Kathy, well I don't feel ridiculous at all calling myself spcookie queen anymore! These bars do look good and who cares how much sugar they have in them, you only go around once! Can't wait to come back and read more of your recipes, I'm following you too!
-Gina-

Cookiebaker said...

These look delicious! I'm definitely printing this one off.

Mags @ the Other Side of 50 said...

Adding this one to my holiday treats list. YUM!

Pam said...

Holey moley! I printed it! In fact, I was so excited with the recipe that I accidentally printed it twice! Can't wait to try this for the holidays! Or sooner. These are sinful and will be wonderful when I make them. Then I will have to wrap and give away fast before I devour them all. Thanks for the recipe and you are very deserving of the name "the Sugar Queen!" ;)

Laurie {Simply Scratch} said...

Oh YUM! These look so good!! Chocolate...butterscotch...peanut butter OH MY!

Reeni said...

These look heavenly! They would disappear fast in my house!

Joyti said...

Yum! These look and sound so delicious!

Anne said...

Wow this sounds amazing, I love the filling and think your nickname is well deserved but one you should be proud to bear! :)