Justin's Favorite Recipe: Oatmeal Fudgies

This recipe is legendary in Justin's family. It's a recipe that I think originally came from his Grandma Jan, and is usually made by someone in Justin's family for Thanksgiving and Christmas (and often several times in between). I'm pretty sure that Justin and Ryan could eat an entire pan in a day if they were given the go-ahead not to share. Anyway, I don't think this is a secret family recipe or anything, so I thought I'd share the oatmeal fudgie love

You'll Need:

For the bars:
-1 cup butter flavored shortening (I usually just use butter)
-2 cups brown sugar
-2 eggs
-2.5 cups flour
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1 teaspoon salt
-4 cups instant oats
-1/2 cup chopped nuts (if desired)

For the fudge:
-12 oz chocolate chips (I've also used 10 oz of dark chocolate chips and it worked fine)
-2 Tablespoons Margarine or Butter
-1 can sweetened condensed milk
-3/4 teaspoon salt
-2 teaspoons vanilla

Cook fudge ingredients in a double boiler or microwave just until melted and well blended (usually 1-2 mins in microwave). Set aside to cool. Cream together butter/shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Sift flour, soda, and salt; stir into sugar mixture thoroughly. Stir in nuts and oats. Press 3/4 of oats mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Pour fudge mixture over the top, then sprinkle with remaining oatmeal mixture. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Let cool before cutting into bars.

*Note- I usually do the oatmeal mixture first, in my Kitchenaid mixer with the awesome side scraper attachment that Justin got me for my birthday.

Source: amazon.com via Meredith on Pinterest

I'm a slacker cook, as well as an impatient one, so I don't sift or anything. Once that's pressed into the bottom of the pan, I make the fudge and then just spoon it on the top without waiting for it to cool.

Give these a shot--they're actually pretty easy and tend to be a crowd-favorite around here!