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. 

Broke Food - German Pancake

German pancake, Big Egg, Missionary Pancake, Dutch baby... these are all names for this simple, scrumptious, and filling recipe. It seems that every ethnicity has a version of this recipe, and they all contain the same basic 4 ingredients.  This is very is easy to whip together, and makes a yummy breakfast or even dessert.  

When baking, this resembles a cross between a pancake and souffle.  It puffs up and rises during baking, but then when removed from the oven flattens into a shape that can be cut.  

This can be eaten sliced like a pizza and sprinkled with powdered sugar or served with fresh fruit.  Our favorite way to eat it is with syrup, as it is not a sweet bread and has a very light texture when eaten with syrup or honey.  

Here's the recipe I use.  

German Pancake

2 Tbsp. butter or margarine (prefer butter but margarine is OK)

3 eggs whipped until frothy*

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup milk 

Place butter in a 8 or 9 inch pie pan and place into a cold oven.  Turn oven to 400 degrees.  This allows the butter to melt in the pan and for the pan to heat up, as well.  

Whip eggs until frothy (see note below).  Add in milk and flour, and mix until smooth.  Remove pan from oven and pour batter into hot buttered pan.  Place back in the oven and cook at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.  

Remove and slice into sections.  Serve with syrup, honey, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit in syrup.  

*NOTE:  An easy way to do this is to just place all the ingredients into either a blender or food processor and process for about 30 seconds.  You want a frothy, bubbly consistency to the batter.  Then pour into the hot buttered pan and cook as above.