7 Layer Bars with homemade sweetened condensed milk

I am sure most of you have tried a version of these 7 Layer Bars (aka Congo Bars). There is something about this dessert that I crave. I don't know if it is the buttery crust, the butterscotch chips, or the gooey-ness of the sweetened condensed milk, but it is an overall perfect 10 for me. I have to be really careful to only make these bars when I can give most of the pan away. I had a leftover row of these in my pan the other morning and I nearly ate the whole row before breakfast (scary I know!). The best part about this recipe is I was practicing using my powdered milk this month (as part of our Positively Preparing goals for November) and I was thrilled with the outcome. They were pretty gooey the night we ate them, even after letting them sit for an hour or so, but by the next day they were the perfect texture and easy to cut into pieces.

If you haven't tried making your own sweetened condensed milk from your powdered milk, give it a try. It is easy to make and will store in your fridge for several weeks. Delicious!

Sweetened Condensed Milk

½ c. hot water—boil in the microwave-45 seconds

1 T. butter

1 c. dry powdered milk

1 c. sugar

Pour hot water in blender when ready. Pour other ingredients into blender. Begin blending.

Once you have made the above recipe, you can make these delicious 7 Layer Bars:

7 Layer Bars
Crust:
1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs (I found I needed a little more to fill my 9x13--add more crumbs and butter if you need)
1/2 cube butter, melted

1 recipe sweetened condensed milk (above)
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. butterscotch chips
1 1/3 c. coconut
2/3 c. nuts, chopped (pecans, almonds, etc.)

Make the sweetened condensed milk in the blender as the recipe above indicates. Set aside or put in the fridge for a few minuets to thicken. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 pan. Combined graham cracker crumbs and butter together in a bowl. Press into the bottom of the greased pan. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crumb mixture. Layer evenly the chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars. Store covered at room temperature.