My son likes to play hide-and-go seek. His version of the game is where he hides things (toys, books, magnets, etc.) and then later I find them–usually accidentally. I end up telling my husband, “Oh, that’s where {insert item} is. I was looking for that!”
Well, it was all fun and games until he wanted to be just like me and practice talking on my cell phone. And I thought it was cute to see him take my phone and place it next to his ear (usually the phone is upside down or backwards), cock his head to one side, and talk gibberish in it. (Here he is with his phone.)
Apparently when I talk on the phone, I cock my head to one side. And apparently I talk gibberish into it also. Anyway, he walked down the hall carrying it and reappeared a few minutes later having deposited it somewhere. And to no avail did I find that phone. The sad part was I couldn’t call anyone to have them call my phone so I could hear it, because I have no landline phone.
So, I was stuck inside the house with a toddler who hid my phone and no way to find out where it was, and no communication (other than internet) to the outside world. I began to panic. And then I realized that when I was in high school, cell phones didn’t exist and I somehow survived, so I tried my best to relax and get my mind off the problem. The easiest way I know how to distract myself from real-world problems is to go into the kitchen and bake. So, that’s what I did, using my favorite ingredient–chocolate.
Unfortunately, this fantastic, simple dessert won’t make your problems go away, or, in my case, retrieve my cell phone, but it will certainly make you feel better for the moment you’re eating it. Serve it to others who need a stress-reliever; or if you’re having a bad day, keep it all to yourself. Just be forewarned, these bars won’t stay around for long! (And in case you’re curious, my husband eventually found my phone, 13 hours later–in the toilet. I learned my lesson.) xoxo
Frosted Oatmeal Chip Bars
1 c unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ¼ c packed brown sugar
¾ c sugar
2 eggs
2 t vanilla extract
2 c flour
2 t baking powder
½ t salt
2 c oats (regular or quick-cooking)
3 c chocolate chips, divided
½ c white chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease (spray) a 9 x 13 pan. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla together, about 2 minutes. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix until fully combined. Fold in the oats, 1 cup chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. (The dough will be thick.)
Press mixture into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs. Take out of the oven and pour the remaining 2 cups chocolate chips on top. Let the chips sit on the hot bars for about 1 minute, and then with a spatula, spread the chips over the bars, until the chips are fully melted and spread over the whole pan.
Let cool completely, and then with a knife, cut up and serve.
Store leftovers in an air-tight container up to 3 days.
3 Comments
Like father – like son. Instead of a cell phone, though, it was a Rolex watch!
Yeah, but yours survived!
Yummo!!! Oh boy do I want one. Next time, you should add peanut butter chips instead of white choc. chips. I’m a fan of Reeces Pieces. :)