Jan D'Atri

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S’mores Bars

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Many things will be different this Memorial Day as we celebrate the official launch of summer while honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. But some things will always remain the same, namely our obsession with the perfect campout treat—S’Mores! This year, if you’re opting to stay home instead of heading for the campgrounds, I’ve got the perfect solution for your “campfireless” sweet tooth. It’s a delicious recipe for S’mores Bars that can be devoured right out of the oven! To be perfectly honest, I love these even more than the originals. They aren’t as messy and they’re a cinch to make! S’Mores Bars have all of the same ingredients, just assembled a little differently. These bars start with a graham cracker crust which you can make with either store bought graham cracker crumbs, or with ground up graham crackers. (My suggestion is to grind your own crumbs. Much tastier!) Once you bake your cookie base, you’ll add the chocolate bars, then the Marshmallow Fluff and top with more cookie crumbs! You can use melted marshmallows for the filling, but the marshmallow cream is a lot easier to spread. Then, all that’s left is to bake them up and then cut them into beautiful yummy bars! This Memorial Day weekend, make this fun treat that’s easier to eat… without the fire!

Watch my How To Video for S’Mores Bars here!

Lemon Pudding Cake

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It’s one of those miracle desserts that goes into the oven as a cake batter and comes out baked with two distinct layers. The bottom layer becomes a luscious, lemony pudding and the top becomes a light and delicate cake! How does that happen? I’m assuming it has something to do with the amount of liquid this recipe has. Since liquids like milk and whipping cream are heavy, they settle down into the bottom of the dish, which creates the pudding. But I’m no scientist, just a lemon dessert addict and think a lot of you are too! One of the most popular lemon desserts are Lemon Bars (or Lemon Squares.) Well, this Lemon Pudding Cake will give them a run for their money! I employed a technique that allows the zest of three large lemons to steep in a simmering milk and heavy cream mixture. After it sits for about 15 minutes, you strain the lemon zest and what you have left is delicious milk with lemon essence! Then, the juice from the lemons is what gives it the punch! A little topping of whipped cream and you have a fabulous dessert served in individual ramekins that have baked in a water bath. I love this recipe and I hope you will too!

Watch my How To Video for Lemon Pudding Cake here!

Grown Up Smore’s and Graham Cracker Cake Pops

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Looking for just one more item for your New Year’s Eve bash? This idea will create a S’more-gasboard of treats! For fun and easy Grown Up S’mores Marshmallow Pops, I had to look no further than the back of a Honey Maid Graham Cracker Box. If you find the old fashioned Smore’s to be a little messy to eat, you’re going to love the modern day “cake pop” version. I found the perfect size (3 inch) pretzels at Cost Plus World Market. (UTZ All-Natural Butter Sticks.) Then, for New Year’s Day, if you have leftover graham crackers, try moist and flavorful Graham Cracker Cake. I found the recipe in the 1931 Searchlight Cookbook. It’s an 82 year old dessert that I’m guessing few people have tried, even though Graham Crackers continue to be one of America’s favorite snacks. For this recipe, the graham cracker crumbs replace the flour, and the folded-in egg whites make this cake light and fluffy. You can serve it with whipped cream, but I’ve also shared my favorite glaze that’s perfect for desserts like the Graham Cracker Cake. I hope you’ll enjoy both treats. May they add Smore to your life this New Year’s Eve and for 2020!

Reese’s Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

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All I can say is I love these Reese’s to pieces! These chewy, chunky treats really raise the bar on goodness! Reese’s Peanut Butter Oatmeal bars are the best combination of peanut butter and chocolate that I’ve tasted in a long time! It starts with delicious peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough that gets spread on a baking sheet. Then the minute you pull it out of the oven, a layer of chocolate chips gets sprinkled over top which start to melt. Then you’ll spoon a delicious smooth and creamy peanut butter topping over the melting chocolate and swirl the two to create a gorgeous marbleized coating. The final touch is to dot the topping with chopped up chunks of mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Wow! When you bite into the chewy bar, you get the peanut butter, the oats, the chocolate and the Reese’s all in one scrumptious bite. These cookie bars are great for making ahead and they hold up well for a school lunchbox. If you’re thinking about a dessert platter or cookie exchange this holiday season, I would not hesitate to add these to your line-up! If you make Reese’s Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars ahead, you can seal them well and store them in the freezer. I think you’ll love these Reese’s to pieces, too!

Watch my How To Video for Reese’s Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars here!