Fudge Filled M & M Bars

What's colorful enough for a party and easy enough for everyday? Fudge-Filled M&M Bars!

I found the recipe in my Journey Toward Excellence: Skyline Schools 40th Anniversary cookbook, always a source for tried and true recipes. These have elements of two other favorite bar cookie recipes I've used for years. You may want to try Fudge Bars or Toll House Cookie Bars. Or try these .... Mmmm! The best of both worlds!

Fudge-Filled M&M Bars

1 cup margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. soda
2 cups quick oats
1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp. margarine
1 cup plain M & Ms (I used minis)

In a mixing bowl, cream 1 cup margarine and brown sugar. Add flour, salt, soda and oats, mixing well. Reserve 1 1/2 cups for topping. Press remaining into a greased 9- by 13-inch pan.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine condensed milk, chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons margarine. Microwave at 50 percent power until chips are melted, stirring after each minute to prevent burning. Spread melted chocolate mixture over the bottom crust. Sprinkle with the 1 1/2 cups reserved crumb mixture. Top with M & Ms.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes or until nicely browned.

Note: I thought maybe the recipe had left out the eggs, but the bars turned out great ...just in case you're wondering the same thing.