I have decided that there are 2 kinds of people in this world…
Only 2, you ask?
Yes, today only 2.
There are those who buy lottery tickets and those who don’t.
Are you nodding in agreement?
Of course you are.
My husband is firm in his resolve that we WILL, one day, win the lotto.
I am the other side of the coin. The Simon to his Garfunkle.
I hate wasting money on ridiculousness. And no, $30 hair straightening serum is not ridiculous, thank you very much.
I guess what I am saying is that I hate wasting money on things I have no control over…
Like I could have totally just spent that very same losing lottery ticket dollar on a pack of gum. I would at least have minty fresh breath to show for it.
But my husband continues to play..over and over. Especially when the payout is over $200 million…it is extra important to play then, apparently…because, you know, no one else has that same idea.
Besides, we would never win the lottery, anyway. We are too normal.
We eat at Applebees.
We pay our mortgage.
I have seen those shows on the Discovery Channel where lotto winners have squandered all their earnings on ninja sword collections, and blinged out pinky rings… or made questionable investments in Teepee Motels or alpaca farms.
All NOT normal.
And since I don’t plan on getting a marble statue of myself to display in front of my ginormous mansion or intend on developing a crack habit I think I don’t qualify as crazy enough to win the lottery.
BUT my husband has a difference of opinion. Soooo, he buys the tickets. Week after week…
I estimate that if I had all the money that we have previously spent on lotto tickets in my pocket I would have enough clams to develop quite a nice crack addiction.
I guess if I decided not to go the drug addict route I could certainly buy a set of not-at-all ostentatious Louis Vuitton luggage.
All those trifled lottery dollars gone. {sigh}
Now that I am sure I have officially offended all previous lottery winners, Teepee hotel owners, pinkie ring wearers, ninja sword collectors and crack smokers I will move on to my own personal lottery win….the invention of Samoa Bark.
It feels like winning the lottery without all the baggage and temptation..ok scratch that…there will definitely be temptation and there is almost a certain guarantee that you will be carrying around extra baggage on your tush, but it would be worth it, right?
Because, I think, until I DO win the lottery and buy the Girl Scout organization and force them to sell their delicious cookies year-round this yummy treat will have to suffice.
Suffice indeed.
It’s easy and no bake. Have I convinced you yet?
Here’s how you do it.
First melt your chocolate.
Then spread it on a foil lined baking sheet.
Immediately press shortbread cookies into the chocolate.
Put in the freezer to set.
Meanwhile toast your coconut. Carefully.
You want it to be pretty and toasty…
Now melt your caramels and fold in the pretty, toasted coconut. Spread it all over your frozen bark. It’s important that it’s frozen because the caramel mixture doesn’t spread easily and you want the bark to stay intact.
Now drizzle with more chocolate because it’s the law ’round these parts.
I stuck it back in the freezer for a few minutes to set the chocolate (you can skip this step if you have a little while and let it set up at room temperature), but you will want to eat the bark at room temperature unless you would like to lose a filling on the caramel. Something you should know.
Cut into squares, or triangles or parallelograms…maybe even a rhombus, if you’re feeling geometrical. Otherwise you can just break it into pieces and eat every time you walk past it, much like I do.
[print_link]
Recipe: Samoa Bark
Ingredients
- 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate + 2 oz for drizzle
- 35-40 shortbread cookies (I used Lorna Doone)
- 14 oz bag of caramels
- 3 cups sweetened flaked coconut
- 3 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with foil. Set aside.
- Melt 12 oz of semi-sweet chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave. (I prefer double boiler).
- Spread the melted chocolate to your desired thickness…I went thin-ish.
- Top your warm chocolate evenly with your shortbread cookies.
- Place baking sheet in freezer while you do the next steps.
- In a non-stick skillet on medium-low heat, toast your coconut, stirring occasionally. This will take about 10 minutes or so, but be watchful because once it starts to brown it happens quickly and you do not want to burn the coconut! When the coconut is toasted, set aside.
- Meanwhile unwrap all your caramels and place them in a medium saucepan along with 2 Tbsp of water over medium-low heat.
- Stir continuously until the caramel has JUST melted. You don’t want to over heat the caramel, as it will make it hard. Immediately fold in your toasted coconut.
- Remove your chocolate from the freezer and spread the caramel/coconut evenly on top.
- Melt your remaining 2 oz of chocolate using whatever melting process you prefer and drizzle over the top of the caramel/coconut.
- Put back in the freezer for 5 minutes to set the chocolate.
- Cut and enjoy!
Quick notes
Cut using a sharp knife in the size/shape of your choosing. Store in an airtight container.
Have a great week!
I’m linking this recipe up over at Add a Pinch’s Mingle Mondays and I’m Lovin’ It at Tidy Mom. Hop over and check out some great recipes!
Hi! I’m Shelly and I’m an addict. Of the buttercream sort. I started this site a few years ago as a way to justify my sugary, buttery obsession with desserts. It has worked out well for me so far, because as it turns out you guys all love sugary, buttery desserts too! It feels good to know you are not alone, doesn’t it? 
I am with you….too cheap to blow my money on lottery. These bars look amazing! You are so smart:)
Raina recently posted..Godiva French Vanilla Coffee, White Chocolate, and Vanilla Bean Shake
I think I ‘d gnaw the hell out of a tree if this kinda bark was growing on it.
Amy | She Wears Many Hats recently posted..Big Summer Potluck 2011 Recap
Oh my goodness. I LOVE samoa cookies. LOVE. I am absolutely going to have to make this!!
Tracy recently posted..Buttermilk Biscuits
OMG I HAVE LORNA DOONE COOKIES IN MY PANTRY. And coconut and chocolate. I want these now…but then again I still have Samoas in my freezer (I’m THAT kind of person). Is it bad if I make these AND eat the actual cookies? If we win the lottery I can totally hire a personal trainer and get some “work” done.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted.."Pie" Cookies (and more!)
This is genius. No joke. And your photos are GORGEOUS!!
I am a lottery ticket buyer, but only very occasionally. For some reason, when I get the urge to buy one I can’t resist because what if it is fate telling me it’s my time to be rich?
Cookbook Queen recently posted..Toffee Whopper Oatmeal Cookies
Oh my goodness, this looks delicious!! Now I’m off to the store for shortbread cookies… =)
This looks totally amazing and mouthwatering!
Maris (In Good Taste) recently posted..Weekend Brunch for One or Two: Zucchini Omelet
I think I won the lotto with this recipe…I LOVE the samoa girl scout cookie.
Trisha recently posted..Luau Cupcakes
This is spectacular, easy, I need it in my life.
My husband would love this…unfortunately I do not have one single ingredient at home. Shopping tomorrow!
Jackpot! These look like a winner.
Im totally offended, and so is my pinkie ring. baha. You didn’t win the lottery with these, you freaking STRUCK GOLD!!!!!
Julia recently posted..Zebra Mocha Cookies
Aside from the 10 pounds I keep gaining every time I look at your blog
, I really like the new design! Keep those calories coming!
{Aside from the 10 pounds I keep gaining every time I look at your blog, I really like the new design! Keep those calories coming!}
I wanted my blog post to show below. Vain, yes, but I’m very proud of those cookies!
Anne recently posted..Wedding Favors
I freakin’ love your site~ You make me laugh….immensely! Love this recipe!
I dont’ know, this seems better than the lottery to me! After all…what am I gonna do with all those ninja swords?
Joanne recently posted..Recipe: Whole Grain Popovers and White Gazpacho
Samoa’s, sometimes called Caramel deLites, are my VERY favorite Girl Scout cookie. I can’t wait to try these. My girls and I will go out and buy some Lorna Doone’s tomorrow. Thank you soooo much!
That is genius! I love barks, one of my favorite treats to make during the holidays.
What a great post and amazing recipe! I play the lotto…but one ticket and one ticket only…even when it’s a bazillion dollars!
Ann recently posted..Seven Links
Oh dear God… you did not go and do this. My favorite girl scout cookie into bark? You are so smart.
Lottery tickets – I get bitten by the bug like once every 6 years.
Kristen recently posted..Leftover Bread {Recipe: Bread Machine Challah}
Those look so good! I hate coconut, but I still want to make these!
And I totally agree about the lottery.
OMGoodness this post made me laugh. I play my $1. twice a week for my lottery ticket. The worst part is we moved from a lottery state to a non lottery state. When my daughter goes back to CA for a visit I have her get me my MegaMillions lottery tickets by doing the advance play. I was in AZ picking up our new puppy and I did the same with Powerball. You just never know
One thing I do know is I am making this bark – tomorrow. Thank you for sharing the recipe
So funny! My husband ALWAYS buys lotto tickets when we are in different states! They don’t do powerball in NJ, so he makes a special trip to PA when the amount gets big. Crazy
Oh my flipping heck!..I am so making these sinful treats..and I might not even share1 (lol)
Lark recently posted..Shepard’s Pie
Making these!!!!!! Never heard of the cookies but here in Canada we pretty much get the basic choc or vanilla from the girl scouts. And those are yuck.
Omg thank you for this!! I’ve made home made samoas before but I don’t always feel like having to make a batch of shortbread for it so this is perfect.
I gotta say though making caramel for this is sooo easy and way less annoying than unwrapping all those wrappers. It may even end up being cheaper!
You’re probably right! Unwrapping those caramels is annoying!
If I make my own caramel, then my kiddo with food allergies can have this recipe. Becca, can you share your recipe? ; )
I agree with you on the lottery thing, and the Samoa bark thing…looks amazing!
megan @ whatmegansmaking recently posted..Chai Banana Smoothies
I might, right at this very moment, despair of having discovered your blog. [Sigh] And I’d lost 25 pounds, too.
Guess I’ll have to size up my jeans now because O-M-G these are enticing. Have to finish the S’More Krispie Treats we made this weekend before we try them, though. (You are such a temptress!)
Oh my gosh….I’m gonna ditto Amy’s comment up there!
PS…hope your hubby wins the lotto!
bridget {bake at 350} recently posted..I’m expecting . . .
The best bark I have ever seen!
Maria recently posted..Mud Hen Bars
WOW Shelly!! this looks like a winner to me!!
FABULOUS!!
TidyMom recently posted..Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Sweet baby Jesus. Promise me you will still remember to share your recipe creations with us after you win millions.
Katrina @ In Katrina’s Kitchen recently posted..I’m back! And I Brought Goodies!
YUM! Just when I thought Sampoa’s couldn’t get any better! Can’t wait to make these and ruin a few more diets
Thanks so much for sharing!
Oh my goodness, I think I love you! Why didn’t I think of this?! So now when the GS Cookies are been sold, I only have to buy a dozen Thin Mint cookies for the hubs! My daughter and I can have Samoas any ol’ time we feel the urge!
(I’m sure the Thin Mints could be re-created, but we have to suppor the Girl Scouts)
I love this. And the use of Lorna Doone’s (my favorite) only makes it better!!!
Shannon recently posted..Mojito Watermelon
Spectacular! Splendid! Super!
)
Good luck with lotto
Angie@Angiesrecipes recently posted..Minty Grated Raw Beet Salad and Beet Greens Stir-fry
Ha! what a brilliant post
You have such an entertaining writing style, im in the waste-of-money camp ie i dont buy them, my mum buys them religiously though and i dread to think how much has gone on tickets over the years! If its a special day like mine or my mas birthday though i might make an exception…
ANYWAY! These look goddarn scrumptious, absolutely perfecto, i have been wanting to make samoa cookies for a while and this appeals even more to be honest! lovely
Why must you post this on the day I start back on Weight Watchers?
Amy @ A Little Nosh recently posted..Menu Plan Monday 8/8
These are amazing! I love no bake recipes.
bakingaddict recently posted..Ottolenghi’s Caramel and Macadamia Cheesecake
i do not even have a smart-ass comment to leave because i am (a) staring longingly at the screen and (b) licking said screen . . . sigh . . .
SMITH BITES recently posted..52 sundays; august 7, 2011
This bark sounds incredible. Samoas are my favorite Girl Scout cookie of all time. I could eat an entire box by myself. Seriously.
When you win the lottery, make me a batch (or three) and have Ryan Gosling’s abs deliver it to me. Deal? Deal.
Kristin @ The Pastry Affair recently posted..S’mores Pie
Absolutely mouth watering! I will have to make these. I like your sense of humor, too, and that you tell a story in addition to talking about the food.
heather recently posted..Chocolate Toffee Puff Pastry Swirls with Chocolate Caramel Sauce
OMG..you are totally cracking me up! Hmmm crack or Louis??? What to choose..what to choose!
I will be making these
*sigh*
someday I’m going to win the lottery.
someday.
in the meantime, I will wallow in these unbelievably delicious looking Somoa bark cookie bar thingamigigies until I do.
Thank you for this recipe. i cannot wait to try it!!!
You have got to be joking me totally hit the jack pot with this one I don’t know if I can make this I have ready gained about 10lbs looking @ this. Soma’s are my very favorite. Thank you for the yummyness!
These look awesome and PS we buy lottery tickets because we’re going to win!
Holy batman!! My mouth, thighs and rear need this stat!! great bark, with a bite of sweet!! loving it!!
i see no use in buying lotto tickets–i’m about the most unlucky person in the world when it comes to things like that!
on a happy note, this is some of the most appetizing bark i’ve ever seen. excellent idea and wonderful execution.
grace recently posted..jack of all trades, master of none (also, a giveaway)
Wow – I have died and gone to heaven! Looks amazing!
Jill recently posted..Chocolate Chip Muffins
Oh, how I feel your lottery pain! My husband is a lottery player – I think the most he’s ever won is $2. Oh, boy!
THe Samoas look delicious!
Andrea @ From the Bookshelf recently posted..Slow Roasted Tomatoes
You are my sunshine, and you make me happy all the day!
LOVE THIS!!!
Wow this looks like something you’d buy in a fancy shop (we don’t have samoas in the UK!) – I’m impressed that you made it using shop bought chocolate, caramels etc, so its really easy too!
Those look so scrumptious. I have to try that recipe, just like your husband has to buy lottery tickets.
Hey, maybe one day “normal” people will win the lottery. 
Wow..how easy and lovely these barks are! Love the presentation.
These look so yummy! I can’t wait to try them. Love your blog!
I made these tonight..OH YES I DID! They were scrumptious. Down right sinful. The caramel was a PIA to “spread” and the cookies separated from the chocolate when I went to cut them. I think if I would have pushed the cookies all the way down in the melted chocolate, so that the cookie hit the pan, that would totally solve that issue.
The caramel was a PIA to “spread yes, yes it is
I didn’t have the problem with the separation…but I guess that pressing it in further, would be best
Finally, I can see this. Samoa, well, when you start speaking Samoa, ur speaking my language. Might be one of my all time favorite flavor combos. And since DQ cant seen to take a hint, I am strongly wishing verly loud and obnoxiously that by bloggy friend who took an Oreo fudge request might just make SAMOA blizzards before the summer is out. That would make me almost as happy as if it were mailable!
sweetsugarbelle recently posted..Houndstooth Cookies {Guest Post}
Did I mention this stuff is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
leslie recently posted..Nutella Banana Peanut Butter Ice-Cream
hahahahaaa!!
Must make this recipe.
And so agree – two types of people …. we are the not buying lottery tickets kind.
Love your blog!
Kristal recently posted..365-225
Ever read the follow ups on where the lottery winners are today? I’m just sayin’ These look great, Shelly! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
June Scott recently posted..Inspired by… ducks and eagles
I made these for my family get-together this past weekend! They were a huge hit! My 5 year old cousin kept saying, “Try Katie’s cookies. They are the BEST cookies I have ever had!” Thanks for the recipe!
That’s so sweet!
This is my first visit to your blog (found you through How Sweet Eats) and WOW. These look incredible!!
Maryea {Happy Heatlhy Mama} recently posted..Carrot Cake Smoothie
I cant believe I didnt comment the first time I was here. This is the 2nd time I’ve been back…to stalk this recipe. It looks…AMAZING
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga recently posted..Thrifting & Browsing
oh my goodness! This looks completely amazing. I make different barks every year during the holidays and this will definitely have to join the ranks…Samoas are my fav girl scout cookie!
Julie recently posted..run baby run
This is SO getting made! Living in the Uk ive never actually had a real girl scout cookie of any kind, and to recreate something so scrummy looking but easy too is just too good an opportunity to pass up! Gorgeous recipe thanks!
Sasha @ The Procrastobaker recently posted..Hazelnut Brown Butter Cake
So loved reading your post – completely with you on the Lotto thing
Oh lord… MUST MAKE SOON.
Nicki recently posted..What Can I Give Away Wednesdays
Samoas. If this bark grew on a tree…. the things that I would do….
I made these tonight, and saved my husband from some monotonous tax stuff. He was quite happy. I have enough to take in to work tomorrow to ease us back in from the 3 day weekend, too
yay!!
I was enjoying some time on Pinterest tonight and it brought me to your page here. This recipe looks amazing!
Not only did I discover this yummy, easy recipe, I absolutely hear you on the lotto stuff (my hubby is also a lotto ticket buyer and I am not). You writing is great and gave me a good laugh. I’ll definitely be checking back!
I made this and it’s amazing…the taste and the presentation were big hits. Just one small addition. When I got to the point of adding the chocolate to the top, I added a small amount of vegetable oil (maybe 2 – 3 tsp….ideally, would have added melted cocoa butter but didn’t have any) to the melted chocolate to make it easier to drizzle and to “decorate” the top! The addition of the small amount of added fat thins the chocolate without diluting the flavor, allows for a better “drizzle” and permits it to harden in the freezer just fine! Thought I would pass along this little tip!
My husband is convinced that we will, one day, win the lottery. There is one caveat here, and that is he needs to actually purchase a lottery ticket. Me? Never bought one, never will. I have one BIL who gives lottery tickets every year as birthday presents, and every year I ask if I can just have the $5. What am I supposed to say to that?! Thanks for throwing my $5 away? I mean…seriously?! That’s a value meal at McD’s! LOL
On to more important things…these samoa bars? Honestly? I. Love. You. That is all.
This looks sinful. I’m probably going to hell anyway, so I might as well indulge…
Nik recently posted..The Power of the Bootie
This sounded so good, but it was a giant fail for me. When I tried to cut it, the coconut/caramel layer separated from the cookie layer. And the caramel never softened from sitting at room temperature; it definitely could’ve ruined some teeth! So into the trash it went.
Do sorry to hear it didn’t turn out! I haven’t heard about that happening with the caramel, but it might have been caused by overheating it? You should just heat the caramel until it is just melted. I will include that in the recipe. Thanks for your feedback!
That might be where I went wrong! Thank you for the suggestion.
No problem! I added that in the recipe
Just pinned this..I’m thinking it would make some great Christmas goodies for friends!
Steph @ Crafting in the Rain recently posted..Win a Ticket to Snap!
Good Lord Woman, this is my first visit, saw the word Samoa on Pinterest and had to check it out. That’s my favorite freakin cookie from the GS, I was pretty upset they changed the name. You can bet your sweet bippy I will be making these and eating them and not caring that I’m all ready a fat housewife. I think I love you and will be back to stalk your blog.
Thanks for the recipe.
Thank you for posting this recipe!! I just made these for the first time tonight and my husband and I are SWOONING over their awesomeness. I have just found my new go-to dessert!!!
Natalie recently posted..Colors!
We have renamed this “Samoa Crack” because it is sooooo addictive!
I found these on pinterest and must try them. Thanks for sharing.
Andrea (questfordelish) recently posted..Cilantro Slaw
These look awesome and so easy. Love you philosophy on foolish/sensible use of money. Sounds like my husband shares your husband’s viewpoint.