Sweet Memories

Let me introduce you to a simply marvelous and scrumptious dessert: Caramel Layer Choco-Bars. This bar has become a must-have family Christmas tradition. You might wonder why I am writing about this dessert in March. Well, last year, I purchased the ingredients to make two batches of the bars, but due to my mother's health problems, I only had time to make one pan. Today I finally got around to making the second batch, it sure tastes like Christmas today!

It's funny how traditions get started. When my siblings and I were young, my mother tried out this recipe at Christmas and it was a hit. We requested the bars every Christmas but we never asked for them at any other time of year. The bars were a special Christmas treat and they became a delicious memory in the process.

In case you've been drooling on your computer while looking at the picture, the recipe is below...Enjoy, I certainly did!


Caramel Layer Choco-Bars

50 caramels (14 oz. pkg)
1/3 C evaporated milk (5.33 fl. oz. can)
1 pkg German Chocolate Cake Mix
¾ C margarine or butter, melted
1/3 C evaporated milk
1 C chopped nuts
1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips (6 oz. pkg.)

In a heavy saucepan, combine caramels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until caramels are melted. Set aside.

Grease and flour 13x9x2 pan. In large mixing bowl, combine dry cake mix, butter, 1/3 cup evaporated milk and nuts. By hand, stir until dough holds together. Press half of dough into prepared pan; reserve remaining dough for topping. Bake at 350° for 6 minutes.

Sprinkle chocolate chips over baked crust. Spread caramel mixture over chocolate chips. Crumble reserved dough over caramel mixture (dough will not completely cover, some caramel will peek through).

Return to oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Cool slightly; refrigerate about 30 minutes to set caramel layer. Cut into bars.