Sweet Treat: Gooey Revel Bars

I was thinking of a gift for our friends last Christmas without spending too much.  Then it hit me, why would I spent money if I can make our own gifts.  It would lessen my spending during the holiday season, at the same time, it would be more personalized.

I decided to make revel bars.  I don't know why they are named like that :) but really they are yummy and very scrumptious to the taste.  Wow, I am drooling as am writing this.

The incredible taste of the fudgy, dark chocolate filling sandwiched between the good for the heart and yummy oatmeal layers that will keep you asking for more.  I also mix with the chocolate filling some crushed walnuts, sliced almond nuts and chocolate chips for a crunchy bite.  Once it is in your mouth, you can feel the nuts rolling inside your mouth mixing with the gooey dark chocolate filling.  I prefer this bar partnered with hot coffee or sometimes hot chocolate (sweetness!)

All i can say is...YUMMY. 

CHOCOLATE REVEL BARS

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

3 cups quick-cooking oats

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt - divided use

1 cup butter or margarine

2 cups brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

4 teaspoons vanilla - divided use

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan; set aside.
2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons butter and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in walnuts and the remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla. Set aside to cool slightly
3. In a medium bowl whisk together oats, flour, baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt; set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy; add eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla and beat until well mixed. Stir in oat/flour mixture until just combined.
5. Reserve 1/3 of the oat mixture and press the remaining 2/3 into prepared baking pan; spread chocolate mixture over dough layer. Crumble remaining 1/3 oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer.
6. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack and cut into bars.

Makes about 1 1/2 dozen bars.

recipe from http://www.cooksrecipes.com/bar/chocolate-revel-bars-recipe.html