Scotch Krispie Bark

Can we talk books for a second? Before I get into how this Scotch Krispie bark is so freakin' awesome?

I have been meaning to talk to you about Dean Koontz for a few weeks now. I even teased you about it two Fridays ago. But there was always something else to say.

Anyway, I'm making time now, because if you aren't reading Dean Koontz books you're totally missing out.

It's kinda like if you are going to the movies without eating popcorn. Or eating peanut butter without chocolate.

I've been reading Dean Koontz books since I was in high school. (Probably not so appropriate for a 14 year old to read, but whatever. I've always been older than my age. Case in point? My husband.)

All of his books are good; there hasn't been one I haven't liked. His Odd Thomas series is probably one of the best series I've ever read. But I want to go farther back.

I want to talk about the first Dean Koontz book I ever read: Lightning.

You know how, at some point in your life, you obsess about a song or a movie or a book and it's all you listen to/read/watch for ages? Your mom threatens to throw out your VCR and your friends call mutiny over listening to NKOTB again? Eventually you stop listening/reading/watching and find other things to love and obsess about, like Twilight. But then you pick up the book or pop in the DVD and realize what has been missing from your life for so long?

That's what this book was for me. I couldn't find my tattered paperback (it's been missing for a long while) so I bought it for my Kindle. And I got sucked back in. Just like I was 14 again. There's intrigue. Mystery. Murder. Love. Dean Koontz spins words like Bakerella makes cake pops. He's serious, he's funny. It's amazing.

Something else that's been missing from my life for too long? Scotch Krispie Bars. I haven't had them in years. A mom I used to know would bring them to potlucks and I'd devour them.

So I thought, why not make them into a bark?

With a layer of melted butterscotch chips.

Topped with Rice Krispies.

Then topped with melted chocolate chips. And swirled with peanut butter.

Heaven in a candy.

So awesome. Like Lightning. (Have you downloaded it to your Kindle yet??)

What are you reading?

Scotch Krispie Bark

Ingredients:

1 bag butterscotch chips

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 ½ cups Rice Krispies Cereal

½ cup peanut butter

Directions:

1.       Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Place butterscotch chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat on 50% power for 1 minute, stir, and then add increments of 30 seconds until chips are melted and smooth. Spread on cookie sheet.

2.       Sprinkle Rice Krispies cereal on top of butterscotch layer. Press down with your hands.

3.       Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in microwave, again using 50% power, stirring after 1 minute and continuing to heat at 30 second intervals until chips are melted. (If chocolate doesn’t seem smooth, add about a teaspoon or two of vegetable oil and stir.) Spread over Rice Krispie layer.

4.       While spreading chocolate layer, melt peanut butter in microwave. Drizzle over spread chocolate and swirl with the back of a spoon.

5.       Chill to harden bark, then break into pieces and serve.

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Oatmeal Scotchies

When I was a kid, I hated butterscotch. Detested it. My mom would make rice crispy treats and add a package of butterscotch chips and I wouldn't touch them with a 10-foot pole. But, as I've gotten older, my picky palate has improved.

I mean, I love Almond Joy candy bars now. Like, love to the nth degree. And I used to hate coconut more than I hated butterscotch. So I thought it might be time to give butterscotch another try.

Recently I needed yet another cookie for a potluck. I wanted something without chocolate for those (confusing) people who don't like chocolate. I knew I wanted to make an oatmeal cookie and that's when it hit me to try butterscotch again (as an adult).

These cookies don't disappoint. I made a double batch (doubling the ingredients works just fine) and gave some away as gifts. Everyone I gave them too came back at me with a resounding "those were awesome!" I took them to the potluck and had the distinct pleasure of watching people go back to the table for seconds (and thirds). I wish I could claim the recipe as my own, but I can't. It's an adaption of the "Vanishing Oatmeal Cookie" recipe off an old box of Quaker Oats. I'm not even sure if they include that recipe on the canisters anymore, but I've had it written down since I was a teenager. It's my go-to oatmeal cookie.

If you think you're not a butterscotch fan, give these cookies a try and see if they can change your mind. I know they changed mine!

Enjoy!

Oatmeal Scotchies

by Crazy for Crust

(Adapted from Quaker Oats)

6022463

Ingredients (3-4 dozen, depending on size)

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups oats (quick-cooking)
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat liners.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugars until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat well. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Stir in the oats and butterscotch chips.
4. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto your prepared baking sheets. I like to use a 2 tablespoon sized ice cream scoop for this so the cookies will all be the same size.
5. Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool five minutes and then remove from pan to cool completely.

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