Easy Graham Cracker Coconut Snack Bars - Creative Cooking

This is one of those recipes that has been passed around our family.  It was originally invented by my Aunt Bertie Jo for Christmas candy.  The way it is made is like a snack bar; however, before it "sets up" you can form it into individual balls and roll it in nuts, powdered sugar, coconut, or even dip it in chocolate coating to form a truffle type candy.  

The recipe is really easy, it's addictive, it's delicious, and it's quick!  Why am I just now posting this?  Because I'm just getting around to making it.  It seems like Christmas sneaked up on me this year, so I'm just now making my favorite foods and snacks. 

Aunt Bertie Jo's Graham Cracker Coconut Snack Bars 

16 planks of graham crackers, crushed*  

1 can Eagle Brand milk 

2 cups shredded coconut 

1 quart pecan pieces

*1 plank is one of the solid rectangles of graham crackers that if you broke it on the scored lines  equals 4 individual crackers.  The total amount used usually equals around 2 plastic wrapped packages from a box of graham crackers 

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.  Then pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan and press flat.  Place in the refrigerator and allow to set up for approximately 1 hour.  Slice into 1 x 1 inch squares.  

Alternatively, before pressing this mixture into a pan, you can form it into small 1 inch balls, then roll in powdered sugar, crushed pecans, or coconut, and refrigerate.  If you're feeling really ambitious, form the 1 inch balls of this mixture then dip in candy coating such as CandiQuick. 

Homemade Gift Baskets - Simple Gifts

Ever have that person who's next to impossible to buy for?  A gift basket can be the perfect solution!  There are loads of themes that can be used to make a personalized and fun basket that will be perfect even for the toughest-to-buy-for friend or relative.  Items don't have to be expensive.  They just need to fit the same theme. 

This is one I made for kitchen items.  Everything in it came from Dollar Tree!  The base is a small plastic utility bucket.  In the bottom I placed some crumbled up tissue paper for bulk.  The back items are a scrub brush, long-handled serving spoon, slotted spatula, and rubber spatula.  Then there is a red oven mitt, wash cloths, tea towels, red chip/utility clips, red scrub sponges, and a set of salt and pepper shakers.  Perfect for the person who loves to cook! 

Of note, you can either purchase a container for a base or use wrapping paper or tissue paper to cover a recycled box such as one from powdered laundry detergent, a cereal box that has been cut down and covered in wrapping paper, or tape together boxes of candies in a rectangle to make a gift within a gift. 

Other ideas for themes:  

Car Care:  A utility bucket, microfiber cloths, window cleaner, car wax, Armor All, sponges, Rain-X, and a car air freshener. 

Movie Night:  Single microwave popcorn packets, candies such as Sugar Daddies, M&Ms, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Twizzlers, jelly beans, single bottles of sodas, colorful napkins, 3D glasses, a jar of nacho cheese dip, and a sack of tortilla chips.  

Nail Care:  This is great for a smaller gift idea.  It can be as simple as a bottle of nail polish tied together with a nail file or as large as including several bottles of nail polish, nail polish remover, cotton balls, nail clippers, files, foot care lotion, and bath salts.  

Candy:  Create a base with taped-together boxed candies.  Then use other colorful candies to fill the basket. Suckers, pixie sticks, Twizzlers, Red Hots, Sour Patch Straws, bubble gum, or anything else you can find! 

Home Repair Kit:  This is terrific for a housewarming gift.  Find a small bucket and add a hammer, a Philips and flat-head screwdriver, masking tape, duct tape, nails, medium-watt light bulbs, a picture-hanging kit, Goo Gone, and drop cloths. 

Get Well Soon:  Aspirin (Tylenol or Advil), cough drops, heating pad, can of chicken soup and a cute bowl, cloth napkins, place mat, puzzle books (word search, crossword puzzles, Sudoku), pens, notepad, hot tea, bottle of honey, and a cute mug. 

You can customize just about anything into a gift basket.  Use crumbled newspaper, plastic bags, or tissue paper as basket fillers, then begin at the back with taller items, and add things as you move forward, rearranging to make items more visible and pleasing.  Once everything is in place, use either bags made for gift baskets or very long pieces of plastic wrap (placed in an X fashion), place item in the middle, and bring plastic around.  Tie closed with a twist tie, then add a pretty bow.