Back-To-School Time Means Cookie Time

Lunchbox or After School Treats

With back to school just around the corner for many, now is the time to start pulling out the cookie recipes and filling the cookie jar. Whether for the children's lunchboxes or just an after school treat, you are sure to find a recipe here that your family will love. And speaking of love, what says love any better than a good homemade cookie! So treat your family to some love today.

MICROWAVE CHOCOLATE AND JAM BARS

TOPPING:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 stick butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate mini-chips, divided
2 tbsp chopped pecans

BASE:
1/2 stick butter, softened
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 cup jam

To make base: In a small mixer bowl, combine butter, sugar, and brown sugar; beat until creamy. Beat in egg. Gradually beat in the flour and salt. Stir in the remaining chocolate chips from the topping list. Spread the mixture into a greased 8-inch square microwave-safe dish. Microwave on High power for 4 minutes. Rotate dish after 2 minutes (if microwave doesn't have a turntable). Top with the jam. Sprinkle the topping over the jam. Microwave on High 3 to 5 minutes longer, rotating once, until the jam bubbles around the edges. Cool completely by setting on the counter. Cut into bars.

LUNCHBOX PINEAPPLE BARS
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup quick oats (not instant oatmeal)
5 tbsp cold unsalted butter
1/2 tsp almond extract
3 tbsp sliced almonds
1 cup all-fruit pineapple spread

Using a food processor or a pastry cutter, combine the flour, brown sugar, and oats processing until blended. Add the butter and the almond extract to the flour mixture; pulse or cut until crumbly. Remove a half cup of the mixture and set aside in a small bowl. Add the almonds to the half cup mixture.

Press the remaining mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch square pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray or lightly buttered. Spread the pineapple over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture with the almonds over the top of the pineapple layer. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be golden brown. Set pan on a wire rack to cool before cutting into 12 bars.

Enjoy!

For more of her quick and easy recipes go to http://grandmasquickfixrecipes.blogspot.com.