chocolate macaroon bars and conference cinnamon rolls

But my theory is that you gotta have just a little sugar here and there amidst the healthy stuff.

So we tried these macaroon bars a couple weeks ago and got the official stamp of approval from the family that they are worthy of a sheet protector in this book after we made them.

Here are the ingredients:

1 pkg. chocolate cake mix
1/3 c. butter
2 eggs, divided
1 1/4 c. (14oz. can) sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. chocolate chips
1 1/3 c. flaked coconut, divided
3/4 c. nuts (optional)

Beat cake mix, butter and one egg in large mixing bowl until mixture is crumbly.  Firmly press into bottom of a greased 13×9 inch baking pan.

Combine sweetened condensed milt, remaining egg and vanilla in medium bowl.  Stir in chocolate chips, one cup coconut (we go ga-ga over coconut around here lately…maybe that’s because we’ve discovered how good it is in smoothies) and nuts. 

Spread over mixture in baking pan:

Sprinkle with remaining 1/3 c. coconut.

Bake in preheated oven (350 degrees) for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown (center will set when cooled). 
Cool completely in pan on wire rack.  Cut into bars. 

Enjoy the deliciousness.

Also, with conference coming up this weekend (can’t wait),  I wanted to link to my post about our CONFERENCE CINNAMON ROLL tradition and recipe back here.

Mmmmmm…can’t wait for those.

But even more, can’t wait to hear those wonderful words of wisdom wash over our family from so many inspired church leaders.  More information about that here.