Tuesday, October 9, 2012

A Fireside Morning & Delicious Mud Hen Bars

 
I'm relaxing by the fire this morning as I wake up with my coffee and favorite sweater-blanket.
 
 
I'm finishing up Faith's wedding post to show you a few pictures and share a bit about the experience!
 
 
Somehow I woke up and got out of bed 6:00 this morning for no reason other than to spend a couple of minutes sitting on the couch with my hubby while he was reviewing his patients on the computer before work.  He usually leaves so early that I never see him, but since I woke up I wanted to join him in the dark den just to snuggle a minute and tell him good bye for the day.  He turned on the fire for me and left me in my cozy home. 
 
I thank God that he has a job--a good one--and that I can stay home.  This is a HUGE blessing for me! I love feathering our nest and keeping house!  My stress level is way down compared to when I worked.  :)  Being a homemaker may seem like a strange thing for a modern woman to want, but for me it's a dream come true!
 
(Yes, I've found a new mantle/surround for our brick fireplace!  You remember, the last one fell off the wall?? Ha.  Well, last week we found this antique one...I'll have to show you more later!!)
 
I have more time to cook and bake now, hence these unbelievable bars!!! (I've shared these at Inspired By Family, and I wanted to put the recipe up at The Cozy Little Kitchen, too.) The pictures speak for themselves.  Mud Hen Bars are a new favorite of my family!  They are gooey and filled with chocolate chips, pecans and marshmallows on a cookie crust. What sets them apart is the brown sugar merigue top that's crisp and delicious! 
 
With a platter of these, I'll be ready for any Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering!
  
 
Mud Hen Bars
 (Adapted from: Chef In Training)
1/2 c. Butter, room temp
1 c. Sugar
3 Eggs (1 whole and 2 separated)
1 1/2 c. All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1/4 tsp. Salt
1 c. Nuts, chopped (I used pecans)
1/2 c. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 c. Marshmallows
1 c. Brown Sugar (I used dark)
 
 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Beat together sugar and butter until creamy.  Beat in one whole egg and two egg yolks.  (Put aside the whites for later.)  In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and salt.  Add to the butter mixture and mix well. 
 
 
 Spread into a 9x13 baking pan.
 
 
 Sprinkle evenly with marshmallows, nuts and chocolate chips.

 
 Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.  Gently fold in brown sugar.  Spread the mixture in the pan over the top.
 
 
 
 Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the crust is cooked through.  I used a dark baking pan and took mine out after 25 minutes.  They were just right!
 
 
 Allow to cool (as long as you can stand to keep your fork out!) and cut into squares.
Yields 12-15 bars
 
 
 Share and enjoy!
 
 
 
I'm excited to link up with friends at:
 
 
 

 


11 comments:

  1. The bars look just delicious! I have never heard of them and I love to try new recipes...thanks!

    I get up early with my husband, too, but I usually go back to bed after he leaves! lol! I really do enjoy staying at home. There is always something to be taken care of and I never have a dull moment. I don't know how I would get everything done if I had a job as well!

    I love your new surround, your room is SO cozy! Have a great week!

    XO,
    Jane

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  2. Oh my! Those I will have to make soon! I understand what you mean about staying home...I am totally with you there...I am happiest when I am spending my time here making our house a home...I was lucky to be a stay at home Mom and my sons tell me now how glad they are that I was there everyday...it is a blessing! Have a wonderful day!!

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  3. Hi Leslie, Oh your living room is so inviting-I can imagine having coffee or tea in front of the fire on cold days. Your bars look great and I think I will try to adapt them using gluten free flour. Thanks for sharing. Have a great afternoon; now I'm off to find posts on the rest of your home-it is just so lovely and inviting!
    Hugs, Noreen
    p.s. tell your mom that I think she should blog and probably alot of other gals.

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  4. Yum...these sound bars delicious and easy to make. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    I love seeing pictures of your cozy home. The fireplace surround is beautiful. Great find!

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  5. Hi Leslie, your blog is quite a find!!! It is beautiful and cozy and warm!
    Thanks for warming me with your fire and sharing these very yummy looking bars!!!
    I have a foodie linky party called ON THE MENU MONDAY... I would love for you to share these bars with us. Link goes live Sunday evening at 8:00.
    Hope to see you and your yummy treat there!

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  6. Those look incredibly delicious! And I cherish the times I am able to be at home!!

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  7. I love your new fireplace surround, and those bars...oh, yummy! I'm pinning this. It looks like a must try recipe!

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  8. Stopping by to poke around your lovely blog...I have my eyes on those yummy Chocolate Chip Gooey Butter Cake Bars! Blessings, K

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  9. Lovely blog you have. Those dessert bars look heavenly. I am starting to crave some baked goodies, especially since the weather is cooling off. I am your newest follower. Come on over and say hello.

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  10. Yum! Nothing like a good mud hen bar! I love the mantel around your fireplace, gorgeous!

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  11. Love your blog, very nice! This recipe looks fantastic. Cannot wait to try it. Stop by and visit us. We are having a terrific giveaway from a Southern author this week. Register in the Televenge post!

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Thank you for sweetening my day with your cozy comments!