Cinnamon Magic Squares: Ciao Bella

I love the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg. I love melted chocolate and nuts; therefore, I present my Cinnamon Magic Squares: Ciao Bella. Now this is a simple and very popular recipe, but I added a bit of Italian to it.  I added the Italian name because my mom’s friend made the best and she always greeted me this way. Growing up, we didn’t make such desserts because there weren’t many cookbooks and, even then, my family couldn’t read them.

We relied on relatives or family to share recipes, but most of the ladies guarded these recipes.  My mother-in-law Erika Solski shared many recipes with me when I started dating her son.  Only then did it open up a whole new baking world for me.

I have a special trick for my crust.  After I put it in the pan and spread it, I use plastic wrap to ensure an even easy spread.

The wrap makes it easy to press down. I use my hands and work towards the corners.

I also like fresh walnuts and like to chop them.  My nonna would often shell the walnuts, but I don’t do that.

Everything is added and ready for the oven.

My secret and best ingredient is the nutmeg.  Chalk this one up to my Sicilian roots.  This bit of spice will give your guests that “Aha” moment.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Magic Squares 

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine ( I prefere Becel Margarine)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups chopped walnuts
• 1/2 teaspoon good cinnamon
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 2 cups sweetened coconut
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F
2. Measure your graham cracker crumbs, sugar and cinnamon into a bowl.
3. Melt the margarine and add.
4. Stir with a fork.
5. Pat down in a 9″ x 13″ pan.  Use plastic wrap for a nice, even fit.
6. Sprinkle on the walnuts
7. Follow with the chocolate chips.
8.  Add the coconut.
9. Drizzle on the condensed milk.
10. Grate some fresh nutmeg

It takes about 20 to 25 minutes. This depends on your oven temperature.

Voila my tower of yummy!!

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Cinnamon Magic Squares: Ciao Bella

Author Renata Solski

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine I prefere Becel Margarine
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups chopped walnuts
• 1/2 teaspoon good cinnamon
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 2 cups sweetened coconut
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

1. Measure your graham cracker crumbs, sugar and cinnamon into a bowl.
2. Melt the margarine and add.
3. Stir with a fork.
4. Pat down in a 9″ x 13″ pan. Use plastic wrap for a nice, even fit.
5. Sprinkle on the walnuts
6. Follow with the chocolate chips.
7. Add the coconut.
8. Drizzle on the condensed milk.
9. Grate some fresh nutmeg
10. It takes about 20 to 25 minutes. This depends on your oven temperature.