Thursday, December 6, 2007

Congo Bars and Christmas Cookies around the world

I am so far behind with the Thanksgiving recipes I promised to post here that I decided to switch to Holiday cooking! Last year my old small group organized a Christmas party and there was a gift exchange. It was a lot of fun, the hostess gave away Congo Bars baked in small bundt pans and wrapped in clear cellophane to each of us. I asked for the recipe and she was kind enough to share her secret with us. These make a great gift.

Susan at Food Blogga is hosting an event called Eat Christmas cookies from now through December 24th, and I wanted to share this recipe that tastes so much like cookies and it is so easy to make. To see all the wonderful Christmas cookies recipes from around the world, you just need to click the red logo!

Ingredients
5 tablespoons melted butter
3 eggs
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup chopped Brazilian nuts or walnuts
1 cup chocolate chips
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

1) Preheat oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Grease 10 x 15 inch pan. (You can use small bundt pans or 12 muffin cups).

2) Combine butter and sugar in bowl. Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt; blend well. Fold in chips and nuts. Turn in pan, spread evenly.

3) Bake until top is lightly browned, about 20-25 minutes. Transfer to wire rack; let cool. Cut into bars and sprinkle confectioner's sugar on top. Congo bars will freeze.

10 comments:

Anh said...

This is truly lovely. I thinkl you can submit this to Eat Your Christmas Cookies event by Food Blogga, too.

Oh, did I tell u that I eat Brazilian Nuts quite often? Sometimes add in my smoothie :)

Patricia Scarpin said...

Cris, I have never heard of Congo bars, sweetie!
That sure is a great gift.

Susan from Food Blogga said...

Oh, Cris, the picture at the top is simply precious. No wonder the snowman is smiling so broadly. :) These nutty, chocolately treats would be an ideal Christmas gift, especially wrapped up as prettily as yours. They are a lovely addition to Eat Christmas Cookies. Many thanks, Susan.

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

Brazil nuts are my absolute favorite nut, and my mom just sent me some (not easy to come across in southern Italy)...now I know what I'll do with them :)

Thanks for your comment over at my place!

Nunnie's Attic said...

Cris,
Sometimes I can't stand blogger. I check and check your blog everyday. And since you've been commenting so much lately, I've been extra aware of when you post. This was not showing for me until today. I could rip my hair out.

Anyhoo - They sound good. They look like a cookie but sound like a cake. Which do you think is a better description?? My husband would go nuts for them.

Love,
Julie

JANET said...

These are sort of like butterscotch bars that my mother used to make, only without the chocolate chips. Anyhow, I happen to have all these ingredients on hand, including some special-dark chocolate chips (my favorite flavor of chocolate). I must get baking!

Suzana Parreira said...

Cris, that's a lovely Christmas gift - and the cookies look delicious!

Thanks for presenting Eat Christmas Cookies to me. Lots of love & Happy holidays!

Britt-Arnhild said...

I am starting my Christmas baking tonight......this is such a wonderful season.

SteamyKitchen said...

Hey! I'm so glad you came by - b/c now I've found your wonderful blog!

xo jaden

Cris said...

Thank you all for visiting, that's so nice to read your comments.