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A Southern Girl's Chess Squares

So my last post was about healthy food and this one, well, is not so much! But it's such a popular dessert I had never made, that I decided this was my opportunity. This weekend is Family Reunion weekend and my husband's extended family is quite extensive! Lots of people. Lots of food. So why make chess squares? Well, first of all, I am sure they will all be eaten so fewer calories for me lol. Secondly, I have been wanting to try them because some time ago my sister-in-law made some and my youngest step-daughter raved about them. So, this post is dedicated to Molly! 

Three things I know that Molly likes are butter, sugar, and cheese! This recipe is a creative combination of those ingredients plus just 2 more. Super easy. Mine didn't look ready after even 50 minutes so I put them under a low broil for a couple of minutes to get the browning on the top. I let them cool overnight and cut them with a plastic knife. These don't have to be refrigerated and can stay in an airtight container for up to three days. They also can be frozen. Don't forget to dust them with powdered sugar before serving!

Many of you know this, but I've learned there are all kinds of variations to this recipe - You can make chocolate, fruit, or lemon chess squares, and there are recipes that are more from "scratch" and don't use ready-made cake mix (also called Butter Bars). As the youngest, Molly has spent more of her life eating my "test kitchen" recipes than my other three kids, bless her heart. I hope she, as well as the other folks at the reunion, will enjoy these yummy, southern, classic dessert bars!



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