Chewy N Sweet Orange Layer Bars

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• Zest of one large orange, finely zested
• 1/4 teaspoon pure orange extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:

Spray a 8 by 11 inch pan (for thicker bars) or a 9 by 13 inch or 12 by 7 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Put the graham crumbs and butter in the baking pan. Toss together and then pat out to line the pan bottom. In a bowl, blend the condensed milk with the orange zest and extract and then pour or spread it over the top, using a wet, angled metal spatula to spread as well as you can. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top, and follow with the coconut and the nuts. With a wet hand, press down slightly, all over, with your hand.

Place pan on the parchment lined baking sheet and bake until lightly browned, about 25-30 minutes. Cool well and then semi-freeze before cutting.

The larger pan makes thin bars, about 40. The smaller pan makes thicker, but smaller bars, about 20.