On the Merry-Go-Round in a Jiffy

I loved to cook as a child and was interested in learning to make all kinds of foods, especially recipes with tactile appeal.  I remember the pretzels made for my fourth grade class didn't go over very well with my friends.  But that failure aside,  Mom was patient enough to let me help often and even cleaned up the messes I left behind.  

 Mom's Garden & the Merry-Go-Round

I also learned a great deal about cooking "by osmosis";  growing up in a large family that completely enjoyed eating good foods of considerable variety.  Being the youngest meant there were older siblings having cooking experiences of their own.  Sometimes they didn't want me hanging around their adventures and I do remember being sent outside to "Just go play on the merry-go-round!"

This is the very first recipe I remember learning to make on my own.   My daughter Carolina had her first lesson last week and she will tell you these delicious cookie bars can be made "in a jiffy" and they disappear just as fast!

JIFFIES

2 wrapped bundles of graham crackers
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup shredded coconut, optional 
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

Break crackers into small pieces in a mixing bowl, then add rest of the ingredients and mix well with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.  Turn into a greased baking dish (9"x13" or smaller) and spread into a layer, pressing down slightly with moistened hands.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Cut into squares and loosen from pan while still warm.