Nerd Bars

I was recently dubbed a “nerd”. This label came by way of someone whose authority on such things, I dare not question. This person is “cool” and it would be unwise to appeal their judgment. I mean…yes, I might be a nerd, but I am not a fool.

So, I got to thinking about this comment. Truth be told, I thought about it a lot. Perhaps it’s a pity to have spent so much time on one name, since I have been called a multitude of far more flattering things—things that met with instant and total disregard.

For some reason this one stuck, perhaps because upon reflection, I basically agree.

I am a nerd. Dancing with my kids in public is nerdy. Wearing the weird and random things that my daughter puts in my hair is nerdy. Being a scorekeeper at baseball games is nerdy. Baking R2-D2 cakes for my son is nerdy. Sewing quilted bird ornaments is nerdy. Seeking out the best sausage in town is nerdy. Learning Japanese on tape is nerdy. Dreaming of the worm composter we’ll build this summer is nerdy. And the list goes on. Even this blog has distinct moments of sheer and indisputable nerdiness. Day in, and day out, you can rely on me to do something truly nerdy. And not only will I do it, I will be pretty darned pleased that I did.

I harbor little, if any, nerd regrets.

Being a nerd is liberating. I don’t worry much about what other people think. My only concern is that the people I care about are happy and getting what they need. I had my time of being single and unfettered by responsibility. It looked chic and it was definitely intoxicating. I am sure there is some fabulous snapshot of me from my youth, where I look very-nearly like a rock-star. Those were heady days that I recall fondly. But these days require something a lot less glamorous, although equally exhausting.

As a clumsy nod to all of the aspects of myself: those that have been, those that are, and those that will be—I am making Seven-Layer Bars (sometimes known as Magic Bars). Which layer is the present, or the past, or what would constitute the future, is a matter of personal opinion. But rest assured, when eaten together it’s a celebration of the fact that the whole is much more delicious than the sum of its parts.

And the most delightful part is that they are definitely and superiorly nerdy—you don't even need a bowl!

Gather your goodies.

I didn't have walnuts, so I substituted almonds.

Since the kids are nut-averse, a couple pulses and Voila! What nuts? 

Butter.

Poor Graham Crackers forced to cheat on their old pal Marshmallow.

Time for the countdown. 

First the butter, then Graham cracker crumbs (1) and the VERY well-chopped nuts (2). Of course, you can't forget the chocolate chips (3)...

and a smattering of butterscotch chips (4). Now, that's a chippy lil' party.

A pile of lovely coconut gives it a tropical twist.

That makes six.

And lucky number 7—straight out of the can.

Note: You are gonna want to let these cool, but I clearly could not wait.

Seven-Layer Bars or Magic Bars

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup butterscotch chips
1 1/2 cups flaked coconut
1 1/3 cups sweetened condensed milk

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a 9 x 13 inch pan pour in melted butter. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs evenly over the margarine. Next place the chopped nuts over the crumbs, and spread the chocolate and butterscotch chips over the nuts. Add the coconut over all, and pour the milk evenly over the top.
3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly brown on top. Cool at least 20 minutes then cut into desired sized bars.