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.
Yum, Yum and Yum!
DO you get up REALLY early to make these or are there parts you can do the night before and leave in your fridge?
AH! I'm so excited for General Conference!!! It's something that I've grown to love SO much more now that I'm older.
Our church building doesn't have a satellite so we are busy arranging homes for our investigators to watch it at!
We just may have to send them with some cinnamon rolls 🙂
sweetened coconut? almonds?
I agree with you 100%. Life is all about moderation. We try and eat healthy as well, but we definitely love our sweets.
These bars look great and something I'm going to have my daughter make up for her cooking with kids series on my blog. She would have a blast making these. BTW, I have a 2 ingredient chocolate mousse recipe that my daughter whipped up. Super easy and something Grace and Claire could whip up for you all.
I love your little cooking posts and how you get the kids involved. Keep it up!
xoxo,
Jackie
Mimi, the recipe didn't specify, but we used sweetened coconut and walnuts only on half. I bet pecans would be good too…
Looks delicious!
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If anyone's game to try the macaron (RON) I recommend investing in the macaron master http://www.TheMacaronMaster.com
I'm not sure how to contact you, but I have been wanting to ask you this for some time. I really respect you and admire you. You are making a big difference in your family and in the lives of so many of us. How do you deal with lying?
Thanks
Thank you for sharing the cinnamon roll recipe – it's a keeper! Love General Conference time.
Susan, I whip them up before the first session of conference, let them rise during the first half and roll them while I'm listening to the second half (sometimes it helps listen better to be actively working on something while I listen). We stick them in the oven during the last talk and then enjoy them for brunch after the first session. Can't wait for tomorrow.
Hi! I recently found your blog, someone had pinned something from it on pinterest and I found your amazing blog! Just wanted to let you know I love reading it, trying to figure out all your kids and "who they are" essentially. I love reading it! great blogging..
I am loving the recipes. Made both this weekend and they are keepers for sure! I think conference cinnamon rolls may be a new tradition for us.
Thanks for sharing.
Looks good! And…someone got their braces off! Awesome smile!
How did your family react to the new younger missionary age announcement?
Will Max go on a mission when he is 18? Do any of your girls want to go on a mission when they are 19?
Do your kids have to save up a certain amount of money for a mission before they can go?