Free for all Friday: Neiman Marcus Bars

I thoroughly enjoy cooking, baking gives me a domestic sense of pride, eating is my favorite past time. Home cooked meals are a big deal around my house, whether it’s grilling out with friends or whipping up a good ol’ southern supper for myself. Good food makes me happy. Real happy. It’s not just the delicious end result, it’s the entire process. Starting from the selection of a recipe either tried & true or exciting & new, preparing it either in solitude or among deep discussion, setting the table (just another reason to buy one of everything at Crate & Barrel), holding hands while giving thanks for our many blessings, the first bite, to savoring every moment of the peaceful time or the laughter of great company. There is a collection of recipes that are my go-to meals, some even show up once a week. Along with my staples, I make a effort of trying new recipes (and restaurants!) weekly. So I figured that between all the cooking, baking, restaurant hopping and eating I should start sharing some of my faves. Good food, good friends, good times.

Neiman Marcus Bars are just as rich as the store they get their namesake from. In my house they have been nicknamed Dolce & Gabbana bars, Versace Bars, Manolo Blanik bars..well you get the picture. Ironically these sweet treats are super simple & inexpensive compared to the shoe heaven of my favorite department store. Yet  just as dangerous.

You’ll need:

3 eggs

1 stick of butter

1 8oz. block of cream cheese

1 box yellow cake mix

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup shredded coconut

1 lb. of confectioner’s sugar (that’s a box!)

*optional:   1/4 cup pecans or chocolate chips  (I prefer to leave these out)

9×13 baking dish (sprayed with non-stick spray)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix yellow cake mix, 1 egg & 1 stick of butter until crumbly. Press mixture in the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of shredded coconut (or pecans/chocolate if you prefer) Mix confectioner’s sugar, cream cheese, 2 eggs, vanilla extract with mixer until smooth & pour on top layer. Bake 40 minutes or until top is a light brown. Let cool & serve!

I have melted the stick of butter before and mixed it with the cake mix & egg. Oopsie. It turned out extra ooey gooey so you had to eat it with a fork but still so yummy! By the 2nd day it was the perfect consistency to wrap your fingers around.