Coconut Oatmeal Chocolate Bars

This is a little bit of a switch-up on the old Rebel Bar recipe that's been floating around mommas' kitchens since I was in diapers. I remember craving these things as a teenager! I also remember eating half of the chocolate topping out of the bowl before it could make it onto the bars!!

If you are confused as to what I am talking about, here's the skinny (or in this case the not-so-skinny):

chewy oatmeal bar. thick layer of chocolatey fudge. mmm.

I made these a little differently and took some short-cuts because my back was hurting. I should know better than to chase a school bus in the dark January morning hours in nothing but slippers and a bathrobe. Yep! I went skating (or flying) across the ice. I'd like to think I was at least a little graceful, but the laughter from my children told me otherwise.

So this afternoon as I lay on an ice-pack I decided to make something yummy for the Mister who so kindly took half the day off after I called him crying. I was touched (and relieved) when he walked through the door and said he was here to take care of the kids. I had my eye on some pretzel peanut butter brownies but decided that would be more of a punishment than a reward as the Mister doesn't like pretzels baked in or around his treats.

So here's my rendition of the old-fashioned Rebel Bar recipe...

This ball of dough is so good I can eat it just like this (and I do)!

Coconut Oatmeal Chocolate Bars

Cookie layer:
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
2 cups oats
1 cup coconut
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Chocolate layer:
12 oz chocolate chips
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 Tbsp. coconut oil

Preheat oven to 350.

Cream the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Add the flour, oats, coconut, baking soda and salt. Press into a jelly roll pan (I like to line mine with parchment or wax paper so I can lift the bars out to cut them on a board).

Melt the chocolate, sweetened condensed milk and coconut oil. Pour over the oatmeal batter.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Cool completely before cutting.

Enjoy this chewy chocolatey goodness....

Newspaper Recycling Crate

Now that I get 11 papers a week I feel the need to recycle. I found this great idea years ago and finally just set it up for myself.

Martha Stewart Pic

It is super easy...

1) Get a box or crate (I like the old milk crates).

2) Place two long strands of twine in the bottom. Cross them over each other and have a strand come out and over the edge so that all four sides of the crate have a strand hanging over the center.

3) Attach the twine to the edge of the crate so it doesn't fall in (I use alligator clips).

4) When your crate is full of paper pull the strings together and tie them like a big gift.

5) Lift the papers out of the crate by the center of your twine and take to a recycle center.

Pic from Memory Lane Minis

FYI: There is a small recycling set up behind the True Value in Soda Springs.

Mexico Resort- Hacienda Tres Rio

During our first year of marriage Jesse and I planned all our big anniversary trips. Hawaii, Paris, India...but never Mexico. Actually, we thought we were buying a package to Hawaii, but shortly after the purchase they did away with all their Hawaii resorts. So Mexico it is. And we are very excited!!

Swimming pool

Hacienda Tres Rios is the resort and spa in the Mayan Riviera that Jesse and I have chosen for our 10th Anniversary. We wanted something by the beach that had plenty of activities with the option of just playing in the sand all day. This was the perfect choice because it is surrounded by a nature park.

Green. Blue. White. Nature. LOVE!

It is an all-inclusive resort: kayaks for the rivers, snorkel gear for the swim holes, a trip on a yacht, horses and bikes to ride the trails and so much more.

This may sound strange, but I am especially looking forward to a trip on a kayak through the Mangroves.

Kayaking through Mangroves

We want to snorkel in one of the swim holes- they are cenotes, which means they are fed by an underground spring and are crystal clear.

Cenote or fresh water swim hole

I am really looking forward to a day on one of their many beach beds with the ocean breeze and the warm sun and a virgin strawberry daiquiri....

Lots of beds on the beach to lounge and enjoy the view

Cheers. To our first big anniversary trip!

¡¡VIVA MEXICO!!

Tune in next month for a full report..... :o)

I will warn you though: 

I believe you can live life or record it, 

so there may not be tons of pictures!