Church Windows

Dessert is usually sweet, but how often is it this pretty? Church Windows have been a holiday staple in our house even before I was. These are rich, delicious and addictive.

Church Windows

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 package semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts, optional 
1 package colored mini marshmallows
1 cup flaked coconut, divided,optional

Directions:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla and walnuts. Cool the mixture for about 15 minutes, until cool but not to the point of hardening. Fold in the marshmallows and stir until well coated.

Spoon half of the mixture lengthwise down the center of an 18-inch piece of waxed paper. Shape into a 12 x 2" log and place at one edge of the waxed paper. Sprinkle 1/2 cup coconut over the remainder of the waxed paper. 

Roll the log over the coconut, evenly coating the outside of the entire log. Wrap the log tightly in the waxed paper, folding the ends snugly. Repeat with the other half of the marshmallow mixture and the remaining 1/2 cup coconut. Chill until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight. Unwrap each log and cut into 1/2-inch slices.

*I personally omit the walnuts and coconut and it is just as delicious.