End of Summer Dessert ... Strawberry Brownie Shortcake

I made this a while back and kept forgetting to post it.  I found this Strawberry Brownie Shortcake on Duncan Hines website.  I used a pudding that came with a caramel sauce that I then drizzled onto the cake.  It came out very beautiful, not as clean as pretty as the picture but hey it was tasty I was told!

Ingredients

1. 1 package Double Fudge Decadent Brownie Mix
2. 1 (3.5 oz.) package vanilla instant pudding and pie filling
3. 1½ cups milk
4. 2 cups frozen non-dairy whipped topping
5. 1 quart fresh strawberries

Baking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease bottom and sides of two 9" round cake pans.
2. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions for cake-like brownies; pour into prepared pans.
3. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until top springs back when touched. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely.
4. Meanwhile, stir pudding mix and milk in medium bowl; mix well. Chill 5 minutes. Fold in whipped topping. Chill. To serve, place one brownie layer on plate. Top with half each of pudding mixture and strawberries. Repeat. Garnish as desired.

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Sweet Tooth Anyone? ... Oreo Stuffed Brownies

A while back I made these super yummy brownies with a surprise inside!  I found a recipe for Oreo Stuffed Brownies on Cook in The Books Blog. I found some peppermint Oreo cookies and a box of Hot Chocolate Brownie mix.  Usually I make my brownie's from scratch but I needed a quick dessert so I went with the box and the flavor was perfect.

Ingredients:

Brownie Mix (Homemade or Box)

Oreo Cookies

(Ingredients to make brownies)

Spray muffin tins well with cooking spray.
Mix up the brownies and drop in enough batter to cover the bottom.
Place oreo cookie on top of batter. 
Cover with more batter. 
Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 12-15 minutes.

My hot chocolate brownies had a marshmallow mix that I spread on top of each cupcake.  I also used cupcake liners instead of spraying with cooking spray.

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Ready for a Touch Down ... Brownie Football's

I finish my football creations this week with 3 new creations that I made for Cole's Flag Football team.  We wrapped this past Saturday with our last game of the season.  Things we have learned:  Don't take Flag Football through boys and girls club.  A great place but since run by volunteers that is what you get no real coach and no coach that can show up to games. $70 is a lot to pay when there is no organization and you don't get to keep the jersey like you were told.  Plus they cancel every time it rains ... news flash we live in Washington it's going to rain suck it up and play in the rain! Ok enough on this, onto the recipe!

This was a simple one, I used a box mix which is usually no go in my house but I just returned from my business trip a few days before and was burned out so easy was the way I went.  Along with the game was at 10am and I work until 9am on Saturdays, so give me a break ... lol.

I found this recipe on for Touch Down Brownies on Betty Crocker's Website so of course that is why you see the use of a box mix.  The say to use Betty Crocker Icing, but I stick with my Wilton Icing.

What you Need:

1

box (1 lb 2.4 oz) Betty Crocker® Original Supreme Premium brownie mix

1/4

cup water

1/4

cup vegetable oil

2

eggs

Wilton White Icing Tube

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Line 9-inch square pan with foil, letting foil hang 2 inches over sides of pan. Spray foil with cooking spray.
2. In medium bowl, stir brownie mix, chocolate syrup, oil, water and eggs until well blended. Spread in pan.
3. Bake 34 to 37 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.
4. Using foil to lift, remove brownies from pan. With football-shaped cookie cutter, cut brownies into football shapes. Pipe on decorating icing to look like football laces.

Alexis Tips: I used Wilton's Pan Release and they just popped out (love this stuff see pic).  I was able to get 10 footballs per pan.  I used my Wilton Piping tip that goes on their tube and piped on the laces.  

Another simple one to make!

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Ham & Brownies what could be better?

Our Tuesday dinner friends came over and I whipped this dinner up!  This was a easy casserole that was suppose to be done in the crockpot but I threw it all together and in the oven and the muffins were super easy!

First we started out with a Creamy Ham And Broccoli Casserole, that was a hit even if my rice was a little mushy … lol.

Then we ended with a super easy Yum Yum Brownie Muffins that is made up of TWO yes 2 ingredients.  Now I read the boards and a lot of people thought the points weren’t correct on this recipe but if you only use the 2 ingredients than it is true!  If you add the eggs and oil the box calls for then YES it would change the points but you don’t need that extra stuff.

I hope to have some yummy Christmas Fudges done to post tomorrow.  Hope you all have a wonderful day! 

Are you ready for Christmas?  What’s on the menu tonight?

Feeling Like the Holidays … Making Meals that give me that feeling

Hi Gang well I’m starting to feel better but this cold really did kick my butt.  I haven’t felt this down an out in years.  I’m now at the stage where my body feels like it needs more sleep.

Getting close to the holidays I love to bring the flavors we love on the special occasions to our regular night meals.  Now I did use the crockpot again to make these.  NOW I know some of you think any form of crockpot cooking is not real cooking.  Now I could make these meals in the oven but sometimes busy schedule + sick mom = lot’s of crockpot meals.  Plus even when I’m not sick the crockpot does help make sure if I start a meal in the morning that by the time I finish my work we have something to eat.  Sometimes work doesn’t always mean I’ll be off early and have time to cook a good meal so there you have it crockpot haters … lol.

First on our list is Ham & Potatoes au Gratin.  I was fortunate enough to have my dad stop by and drop off some meats he smoked.  He brought over some ham which was fabulous and perfect for this recipe.

Next on the list is something with stuffing, no usually during the holidays I make my own stuffing but this was a fun twist on a classic.  Here is Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing.

And we end with one of my favorite flavors Pumpkin!  I used my favorite brownie mix from Winco, because the bulk section is my friend .  So we do the best thing and mix the two for this Pumpkin Swirl Brownies!

Happy Thursday, sorry all the food post are 2 days late.  I’m getting my groove back … lol.  Do you have something special planned tonight?  Are you doing holiday themed meals lately?

Sweet Tuesday Treats

Why not have some treats right?  Hehe It’s been a trying few days with Cole and his behavior.  First off we start with a treat Cole made for his classmates.  I got a lovely email from Cole’s teacher that Cole took a bag of chips from a classmate and put in his bad … UGH.  Cole did go back later and tell his teacher what he did but still.  So yes that was a treat, Rick told him he had to use his money (for good behavior he earns 10 cents for every star) to buy something for his classroom.  You know me I thought it would be good for him to make something along with it.

First off we made Candy Corn Bark. I found cute little bags at the dollar store then made a little label saying made by Cole especially for you. Thanks for being my friend.

And why not make a little something else sweet .  I made these Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownie Cupcakes.

Happy Tuesday it’s been crazy busy here plus Cole has been a stinker and grounded this weekend.  I’m running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off .  Hope you all are having better week then me!  Anything sweet on your menu tonight?

Weekend Wrap With Even a NIGHT off!!! (Hold on Betsy)

We had a fab weekend, the only thing I wished is that it was a 3 day weekend so I could have at least one day to just chill … but as we all know it I would just fill it up … lol.

Saturday after I got done with work I ran up to my friend wedding reception location and helped her do the prep work, we were the two lone soldiers and got it all done!

Then I ran home changed and picked up the boys.  GET this Rick even took the day off and came with me!!

Then we dropped the boys off at home and we got a NIGHT OFF!!  We rented a room at Plum Duff B&B.  We’ve stayed at one on our wedding night & the one year anniversary so this was a real treat.  The place was very nice, the room was a little on the nautical feel and the bed was too small for poor Rick.  His feet hung off the bed … lol.  Then sadly I was disappointed with the breakfast.  Now I’m a little food snob you know, so when I go and pay $150 for a night I really expect bells and whistles.  The breakfast was just ok, the breakfast was the a egg, sausage with frozen potatoes.  It’s something I’ve put together in a pinch for the boys, so that was a little let down.  Rick told me I was being silly … lol.

Back in the day Mama Stortini’s was our favorite restaurant before kids, the owner Joe sold it and sadly the people that took it over didn’t do it justice.  He did start another restaurant Joeseppi's so we went to dinner there.  Rick had a wonderful Chicken Parm and yep you guessed it my brown butter & parm was just ok .  The noodles were a little over cooked and mushy.  The breadsticks were good at least!  We then head to the movies!! Ok get this, I haven’t been to the movies in 4 YEARS!  I was so excited I got to eat popcorn … YUMMY!  We watched Contagion with Matt Damon, it was actually very good and worth the $25 … hehe yes I’m cheap why we don’t ever go.

Sunday we went to church, our little neighbor boy asked to go along with us and the boys were so excited!  After church they had a BBQ and talent show.  The boys enjoyed all the food and then the fun of the talent show!

The talent show was so much fun! Pastor Dan even got out his sword out and sliced a zucchini and then a watermelon on top of one of the band members.  It was so much fun!

Then we headed to my Tuesday friends house for some water balloon’s, hanging out in the fort and even the tree’s.  A super fun time all around!

And I can’t leave you with a recipe.  I made these supper yummy Black & White Brownie Cupcakes.  With a Coffee frosting on top.  It’s was a hit at the wedding reception we went to.

Happy Wednesday, hope you’re all having a great week!  Anything fun happen so far with your week?

Weekend that I didn’t sit down again!

As usual it was a full packed weekend this weekend.  I of course packed it all in!  Saturday as most of you know I work Sat from 5am to 9am.  Then I had to run get me and the boys dressed and run out the door to head to Lowe’s kid clinic to make a school house photo holder.  All I have to say 1 mom vs 2 kids with hammers never seems to work in my favor … lol.

After Lowe’s we hit Ross to pick up 2 toys for the birthday parties we had to go to and oh yeah mom needed an outfit.  One thing about working at home I don’t have much of a wardrobe now.  Plus sitting on my rear all day may … just may have made it grow a tad bit out of my previous clothes.  So I got home tried on my new top and jeans and of course had to play in the mirror for a while.  hehe who would think I get nervous going to parties and fitting in I may just may practice my look and smile before we leave … ok maybe just a little pep talk too … hehe!

First birthday party here we come!!!  Bouncy house is where it is at.  And yeah my boys didn’t come out crying or bloody so it was a good day! Caden wasn’t having the bouncy house, to many big kids but then he decided to go in and had fun!

2nd Birthday party gave us hotdogs, burgers and ice cream cake.  We ran around, ok the kids did I got to sit down and chit chat and even warm up by the bonfire.  Yes I said warm up, the NW has been having an odd summer.  We get sun and then all of a sudden it get breezy and cold.

Sunday our new church did a day of community service instead of services.  I love to get out and to give a helping hand or in the service I chose was serving hot dogs at a mobile home park.  I help the Pastor’s mom do a story board of Noah’s ark, she read the book and I put up the felt characters.  Cole came with me which I thought would be fun for him but he got bored for a while the back yard didn’t have a lot of toys like I was told so that of course was a challenge with my hyper boy.  Caden stayed at the church and played on the outdoor toy.

One of the other community services was to pass out goodies at the park and ride down the street.  I offered to make a few goodies.  I made Brownie Cherry Bites and my Rice Krispie popscicles.   First off I made Brownie Cherry Bites.  I was told by the church lady one of the gals said these were the best brownie’s she had ever tasted.  I didn’t have one but they looked very moist and my neighbor got a plate too and she agreed .

Then I whipped up a batch of Rice Krispie Dipper Treats one with the sprinkles and then I experimented with dipped in milk chocolate and drizzling with white chocolate.  I then put them in a candy bag and tied them up with a pink polka-dot ribbon.  I’m so excited to hear that these were such a hit that one lady asked for my business card and would like me to make them for her niece's party.  I think I may just have to put together a little side business .

Happy Wednesday!

Not your NORMAL Chicken, Rice & Brownies

As usual we don’t have the same boring meal we have to mix it up and all of these were amazing. NOW the chicken and rice both are low fat, the brownies NOT so much! Thankfully those went to church so we didn’t have them sitting around the house to tempt me .

First off we had a very yummy chicken the recipe called for thighs but I don’t do bones, I know were nutty. So I used it for breast meat and put the sauce as a marinade and let it sit in the fridge for 12 hours then baked it. I’m lazy like that, I LOVE my delay button on the oven and that way I can go to the gym and when we return home it’s done. Asian Glazed Drumsticks by my girl Gina at Skinnytaste.com.

Yummy is all I can say about this Wild Rice, Barley and Asparagus Pilaf. the boys ate it with out the asparagus. Now the recipe has you do the rice and barley in steps on the stove. I did it in my rice cooker that also has a steamer on top! I’m all about the quick and easy here and it turned out perfect!!

And now this is FAR from healthy but as we know portion control is key. The church had a BBQ/Potluck so I whipped up these Oreo Brownies With Buttercream Frosting. I used brownie mix from the bulk section at Winco and used a oreo knock off because I’m cheap … lol.

Now let’s talk about PEOPLE at potlucks! What the heck as soon as I cut them people ran up and then got picky on wanting to get the largest one! Then people grabbed more then ONE before anyone else could get one! Of course the first in line where the people who brought NOTHING! It really irks me when we have maybe 9 dishes and there is 60+ people wanting food. NOW some I understand others have no excuse!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

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Not your typical Burger or Brownie

More fun times here .  I made some great meals and happy that everyone like them!

First off, Rick’s fav meal is Chicken parm so when I came across a meal for it in a new way and lighter version I’m on it.  First I had to make the rolls for it to go.  Bread Machine Ciabatta Roll Recipe is where I start!

Then here comes the best part of this recipe is the burger part but NOT your regular recipe.  From my favorite site of course SkinnyTaste.com is Chicken Parmigiana Burger (now I only had chicken breast on hand so I used that instead of chicken patties).

We had a playdate/dinner at the cousin’s house so I whipped up some Cheesecake Topped Brownies.  Now I had the brillant idea to bake them up at the cousins house since I was running late.  That meant that I lost a HUGE amount on the carpet of my floor.  It wasn’t pretty but it did taste good … LOL.  YES I didn’t scoop up the spillage and put it back in I just had to wash my car out when I got home.

Happy Tuesday everyone!