I’ve decided that Bacon and Sweetened Condensed Milk are my 2 favorite ingredients. Obviously, you don’t want these in the same recipes, but anything that has either one of these ingredients is bound to be truly yummy. I can eat them alone and be in heaven, but combined with other ingredients- pure mouth joy!

Here is a great recipe I found this weekend (note: the following does not contain bacon):
St. Patrick’s Day Shortbread

Buttery shortbread, a layer of toffee and chocolate topping make these cookie bars a favorite sweet among families in Ireland. Invite your kids to help make a batch for a special St. Patrick’s Day snack.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
	3/4 cup butter, softened
	3/4 cup sugar
	2 cups all-purpose flour
	1/2 cup butter
	1/2 cup brown sugar
	1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
	2 tbsp. light corn syrup
	1 tsp. vanilla extract
	1 6-oz. bag of chocolate chips

1. Shortbread: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. Stir in the flour until well mixed. Press the batter into a 9-inch square pan (a good job for kids). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Let cool.

2. Toffee: Melt the 1/2 cup of butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, condensed milk and corn syrup, and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring continually. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour over the cooled shortbread.

3. Topping: Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or a microwave oven. Stir until smooth. Pour over the cooled toffee. Cut into 16 squares.