Fall Into Flavor - Festive Fudge-Filled Bars

FESTIVE FUDGE-FILLED BARS
2 c. quick cooking oats
1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. chopped nuts
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 c. margarine or butter, melted
2 Tbsp. shortening
1 1/2 c. plain M&Ms, divided
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 375. Grease jelly roll pan (or a 9x13 pan also works well & baking times are the same). Mix first six ingredients (oats through salt) in large bowl. Stir in melted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 1/2 c. of mixture and set aside. Press remainder in bottom of pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

Heat shortening in 1 qt. saucepan over low heat until melted. Stir in 1 c. of M&Ms; press candies with back of spoon until they break into pieces. Cook & stir until chocolate is melted (pieces of candy coating will remain). Remove from heat and stir in condensed milk. Spread over baked layer to within 1/2 inch of edges. Mix reserved crumb mixture with remaining 1/2 c. of M&Ms. Sprinkle evenly over chocolate mixture - press lightly. Bake about 20 minutes until golden brown. Cool & cut into bars.

Using the seasonally colored M&Ms makes this a striking dessert for any occasion!

Find more yummy recipes over at Lid's 2nd Cup of Coffee!