HELLO DOLLY!

On his way home from work, my husband informed me that there would be a board meeting taking place in our apartment in less than an hour...thanks for the early notice! What could I serve these guys that will take under an hour to prepare, and go well with coffee and/or beer?? These lush, gooey chocolate-coconut squares, otherwise known as "hello dolly squares" are always a go-to recipe for a last minute fix. Perfect. Hello Dolly Squares. I have made them a million times, and actually used to sell them to local coffee shops when I first started my culinary career in New York. This tried and true recipe comes from one of my all time favorite Kosher cookbook authors, Norene Gilletz. Norene is a legendary Canadian cookbook author who is well-known for her straightforward but inventive recipes...Her cookbooks have become staples in my home! (Every Canadian Jewish woman who is about to tie the knot is officially anointed by getting at least one of Norene Gilletz's cookbooks at her bridal shower!! It would be a shanda not to!) Anyhow, this recipe is a classic. They can be whipped up in no time and everyone goes crazy for these squares. Try them.

Hello Dolly Squares

makes about 30 small squares, or 15 larger ones

1/2 cup walnuts, almonds or pecans

11/4 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup butter

11/2 cups chocolate chips

11/2 cups coconut

1- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven 350. Process nuts until finely chopped, set aside. Place butter in a 9x13 inch baking pan and place in the oven to melt. Once melted, remove from the oven and stir the graham crumbs into the butter. Spread evenly into the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Drizzle the condensed milk evenly over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden. Cool and cut into squares. They freeze really well!