A Sweet Start

As far as Mondays go, this week is starting off sweet. The sun is shining and I haven't seen snow in days! The girls were excited to have running club this afternoon and tonight is the final game for basketball.... Louisville v. Michigan. My day is not overly crazy so it will be a good day for baking. I saw this recipe for Fudgy Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars over the weekend and it looks amazing. Originally created by Pillsbury, I found this idea on the yummy food blog "Family Bites".  I love this blog and the authors fresh & vibrant approach to cooking!  Enjoy! 

Fudgy Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars 

1/2 cup butter, melted 
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (32 squares) 
1 bag (8 oz) Heath toffee bits (1 1/2 cups) 
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated chocolate chip cookies
1 bag (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate baking chips (2 cups) 
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk 
1 tablespoon butter 
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray the bottom of a 13 x 9 baking pan. 
In medium bowl, stir 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 1/2 cups of the cracker crumbs and 3/4 cup of the toffee bits. Press mixture evenly in bottom of pan. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes or until firm. Then, let cookie dough stand at room temperature 10 minutes to soften. In 2-quart saucepan, heat chocolate chips, milk and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat, stirring frequently, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Spread mixture over cracker crust.
In medium bowl, break up cookie dough. Mix in remaining 1/2 cup cracker crumbs with wooden spoon until well blended. Crumble mixture evenly over chocolate layer. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup toffee bits. Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 2 hours. For a firmer bar, refrigerate 30 minutes longer. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows. 

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