M & M Bars

These are a beloved family favorite, reserved only for birthdays and Christmas.  If we had them in the house any more, we would be in BIG trouble!

Aunt Cheryl's M & M Bars

2 c. quick oatmeal

1 1/2 c. flour

1 c. firmly packed brown sugar

1 t. baking soda

3/4 t. salt

1 c. butter or margarine, melted

2 T. shortening (I use veggie oil instead)

1 1/2 c. M & Ms (or more!)

14 oz. sweetened condensed milk

Combine oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.  Mix well.  Add margarine and mix until ingredients are moistened.  Reserve 1 1/2 cup of mixture and press the remaining mixture into a greased 9 x 13 pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.  Melt shortening in a heavy pan.  Add 1 cup of M & Ms and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a metal spoon while pressing candies with the back of the spoon to break them up.  Remove from heat and stir in condensed milk, mixing well.  Spread over partially baked crust.  Combine reserved oat mixture with remaining candy and sprinkle over top.  Bake 15 minutes more.  

I usually half the recipe unless we have guests coming to enjoy dessert too.  These are also great when stored in the fridge and eaten slightly cold.  

I hope you love these as much as my family does!  : )