If the weather forecasts are to be believed, we’ve already run completely through our all-too-short cooling down, cooling off phase, and we may be right back to too hot. Again.
Addressing that very subject for us right this minute is longtime Forum helper, cookbook author and Marysville cook Dianne Berst.
“I am contributing a recipe for cookies that don’t require turning on the oven,” she writes. “During this heat wave (I consider anything over 75 degrees wasted heat), I was checking my favorite cookie recipes for something very nice that wouldn’t require an oven. I needed cookies to give away at Annie’s on First Street in Snohomish at Hot Blogust Night Aug. 8, an event for bloggers where my cookbooks were to be presented.
“Kit kat bars were the answer to my dilemma and will be a good recipe for anyone needing to make cookies when it’s hot. Slip a pan of these cookies into the top of an ice chest to keep them cool, and campers will line up to give anyone hugs. They are perfect for back-to-school lunches, too.”
Dianne’s kit kat bars
1cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1cup brown sugar
2cups graham cracker crumbs
1box Keebler club crackers, divided (see note)
1/3 cup (or more) chocolate chips
1/3 cup (or more) butterscotch chips
2/3 cup peanut butter
In a heavy saucepan, melt butter with milk over medium heat. Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly.
To assemble bars, place a layer of the club crackers on the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch pan. Pour half of the cooked mixture over crackers and spread evenly. Cover with another layer of crackers, then spread with remaining cooked mixture. Top with another layer of crackers.
In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate and butterscotch chips and the peanut butter and heat over low heat, stirring until melted and smooth; remove from heat and spread on top of the last layer of crackers. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars. It’s best to make these bars a day before needed and serve cold. Makes one 9-by-13-inch pan.
Note: Dianne says, “Finding the Keebler club crackers can sometimes be challenging. I buy them at Albertson’s.”
The Forum is always happy to receive your contributions and requests, so don’t hesitate to send them along to Judyrae Kruse at the Forum, c/o The Herald, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206.
Please remember that all letters and e-mail must include a name, complete address with ZIP code and telephone number with area code. No exceptions and sorry, but no response to e-mail by return e-mail; send to kruse@heraldnet.com.
The next Forum will appear in Monday’s Good Life section.
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