Thursday, May 16, 2013
Salted Carmel Brownies
Melt together in the microwave in a large glass bowl.
4 squares unsweetened chocolate
2 sticks butter
Add:
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 Tablespoon vanilla
Mix well by hand until smooth.
Stir in until just combined:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
Bake in foil lined and sprayed 9 x 13 inch pan at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Don't overbake!
Meanwhile make carmel sauce:
Dissolve 1/2 cup brown sugar in 2 T. water in sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to boil and let cook until color gets deeper brown about 10 minutes. Stir in 2 T. heavy cream and 2 T. butter.
Drizzle over baked brownies and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Haystacks
These tasty little treats are the perfect dessert with an asian theme!
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup peanuts-dry roasted salted
6 oz. chow mein noodles
Melt chips together in the microwave oven. Stir in nuts and noodles. Drop onto wax paper and let them cool.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Chocolate Hazlenut Mousse Tart
- This is what I'm bringing to Thanksgiving...saw it in Sunset Magazine and had to try it!!!
- CRUST AND SPREAD
- 1/2 cup raw, skin-on hazelnuts
- 6 ounces (about 20) thin chocolate wafer cookies such as Famous Chocolate Wafers
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- chocolate-hazelnut spread such as Nutella
- MOUSSE AND TOPPING
- 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 1/2 cup very roughly chopped roasted hazelnuts
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Graham Cracker Chocolate Chip Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups Flour, All Purpose
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoons Kosher Salt
- ½ cups Sugar
- 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs, They Can Have Small Bits In Them
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- ⅓ cups Canola Or Vegetable Oil
- 1 whole Large Egg
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- ¾ cups Milk Chocolate Chips
- FOR THE TOPPING:
- ¼ cups Flour, All Purpose
- ¼ cups Light Brown Sugar, Packed
- ¼ cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
- ½ teaspoons Cinnamon
- 3 Tablespoons Butter, Melted
Preparation Instructions
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie
2 large eggs
1/2 C flour
1/2 C white granulated sugar
1/2 C packed brown sugar
3/4 C real butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
1 C chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark works best, you might find milk too sweet)
1 C chopped pecans (you are welcome to make it without nuts)
Sunday, April 15, 2012
No-Bake Cookies
I realized these are a staple Brink recipe, yet we have failed to post it to the blog. I've made these so many times, the recipe is engrained in my brain (I'm currently making them for our ward's last dessert party!) but for those who need a little refresher, here you go:
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake
I've been patiently waiting for a reason to make this cake-Grandma turning 91 seems like a great reason to me! It's from Williams-Sonoma and it's divine!
For the cake:
- 1 cup cocoa powder, sifted, plus more for dusting pan
- 7 1/2 oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 20 Tbsp. (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
- 5 eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
For the ganache:
- 6 oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Have all the ingredients at room temperature.
Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 15 cup bundt pan and dust with cocoa powder; tap out the excess.
To make the cake, in a bowl, combine the 1 cup cocoa powder and the chocolate. Add the boiling water and whisk until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth and blended. Set aside.
Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the flat beater, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, 30 to 45 seconds. Reduce the speed to low, add the brown sugar and beat until blended. Increase the speed to medium and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes, stopping the mixer occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the eggs a little at a time, beating until incorporated before adding more and stopping the mixer occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the vanilla until incorporated, about 1 minute.
Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream and beginning and ending with the flour, beating just until blended and no lumps of flour remain. Slowly pour in the chocolate-cocoa mixture and beat until no white streaks are visible, stopping the mixer occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading the batter so the sides are about 1 inch higher than the center. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached to it, 60 to 65 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the cake cool upright in the pan for 15 minutes. Invert the pan onto the rack and lift off the pan. Let the cake cool completely, at least 1 hour.
Return the cooled cake to the pan. Using a serrated knife, gently saw off any excess cake that extends over the edge of the pan. Set the wire rack on a parchment paper lines baking sheet. Invert the pan onto the rack and lift off the pan.
Meanwhile make the ganache: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate and butter. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the cream just to a boil. Immediately pour the cream over the chocolate and butter. Whisk until the melt and the mixture is smooth.
Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, allowing the ganache, to drip down the sides. Let the cake stand until the ganache is set, at least 15 minutes.
Serves 16
Monday, December 19, 2011
Decadent Hot Chocolate
I'm addicted to hot chocolate. I drink it (almost) every morning. Our good friends had us over to watch The Polar Express and drink hot chocolate and now I think I'm addicted to this hot chocolate.Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Coconut Candy Bars
Ingredients:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups whole almonds, toasted*
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup butter, melted
1 - 14 ounce package flaked coconut
1 - 14 ounce can (1 1/4 cups) sweetened condensed milk
18 ounces dark chocolate pieces, melted
Preheat oven to 350F. Place graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of the almonds, and the brown sugar in a food processor. Cover and process until almonds are finely chopped. Add butter; cover and pulse with four or five on-off turns or until mixture is well combined. Press crumb mixture onto bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutes
Combine coconut and sweetened condensed milk in a medium bowl. Spread mixture evenly over crust. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup almonds evenly over coconut layer. Bake for 10 minutes.
Spread melted chocolate evenly over top of baked mixture. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. (If desired, chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set.) Cut into bars. Makes 36 bars.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Wondering what to do with your over-grown zucchini?? These are amazing! Serious chocolate goodness-moist and delicious and nutritious, right?
Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
2 cups grated zucchini
1 cup chocolate chips
2 cups unbleached flour
1 cup cocoa, sifted
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp allspice
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Combine all of the dry ingredients in one bowl and blend all of the wet ingredients and the chocolate chips in another bowl. Add the dry to the wet and stir only until combined. Fill each cupcake pan 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until the center appears firm. Do not over-bake to insure ultimate moist chocolate goodness.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
America's Test Kitchen Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
14 tablespoons unsalted butter ( 1 3/4 sticks)
1/2 cup granulated sugar ( 3 1/2 ounces)
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar ( 5 1/4 ounces)
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large eggs
1 large egg yolks
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 large (18- by 12- inch) baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour and baking soda together in medium bowl; set aside.
- Heat 10 tablespoons butter in 10 inch skillet over medium-high heat until melted, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking, swirling pan constantly until butter is dark golden brown and has nutty aroma, 1 to 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and, using heatproof spatula, transfer browned butter to large heatproof bowl. Stir remaining 4 tablespoons butter into hot butter until completely melted.
- Add both sugars, salt, and vanilla to bowl with butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Add egg and yolk and whisk until mixture is smooth with no sugar lumps remaining, about 30 seconds. Let mixture stand 3 minutes, then whisk for 30 seconds. Repeat process of resting and whisking 2 more times until mixture is thick, smooth and shiny. Using rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture until just combined, about 1 minute. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (if using), giving dough final stir to ensure no flour pockets remain.
- Divide dough into 16 portions, each about 3 tablespoons (or use #24 cookie scoop). Arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets, 8 dough balls per sheet. (Smaller baking sheets can be used, but will require 3 batches.).
- Bake cookies 1 tray at a time until cookies are golden brown and still puffy, and edges have begun to set but centers are still soft, 10 to 14 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. Transfer baking seet to wire rack; cool cookies completely before serving.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Chocolate Cupcakes w/Chocolate Mousse Filling and Chocolate Frosting

For the cupcake, I used a Betty Crocker Devil's Food Cake Mix. I made them the night before and covered them with a tea towel overnight. I also made the chocolate mousse the night before, so assembly the next morning was easy.
When you're ready to assemble the cupcakes, take a knife and cut a quarter sized chunk out of the top of the cupcake. Put your mousse into a pastry bag (or large ziplock bag, like I did) and squeeze about a tablespoon of mousse into the hole of each cupcake. This process is pretty quick if you have all the holes already cut out of each cupcake.
After the cupcakes are filled, take your frosting in a pastry bag (or large ziplock) and squeeze frosting onto each cupcake in a circular motion starting on the outside. This is the fastest and prettiest (I think) way to frost a cupcake!
Chocolate Mousse:
Chocolate Frosting
(I didn't have enough cocoa for the recipe, so I pieced together a couple of chocolate frosting recipes to get this one)
2/3 cup cocoa powder
4 squares of unsweetened bakers chocolate
1 cup butter
2 tsp. vanilla
32 oz bag powdered sugar (minus a little bit)
1/2 - 2/3 cup milk (or cream - left over from the mousse)
Melt the butter and chocolate squares in the microwave. Stir in the cocoa powder and vanilla. Alternate adding the powdered sugar and milk while beating the frosting until you have your desired consistency. Frosting should be very smooth & soft with a little stiffness, so it can hold it's shape once piped onto the cupcakes.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Nie Nie's Banana-Chocolate Chip Bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for pan
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup sour cream (I used plain yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees;. Butter a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan; set aside. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, and beat to incorporate.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture, and mix until just combined. Add bananas, sour cream, and vanilla; mix to combine. Stir in chocolate chips and pour into prepared pan.
- Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Let rest in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Man Catching Caramel Bars
Our neighbor brought us a plate full of this incredible caramel goodness and I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. They were AMAZING! Make them. You'll love them. I promise! (And while I didn't come up with the name, I'm sure they're appropriately named)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Avalanche Bark
viaCut into desired size pieces. If it is too hard to cut allow it to set out a few minutes and soften
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Chocolate Graham Cracker Toffee
If you're craving something chocolately and delicious, this is the perfect easy treat! The graham cracker adds the most delicious touch to this incredibly amazing toffee!
6 whole graham crackers(depending on the size of your crackers you may need more)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/3 cup chopped pecans
Arrange graham crackers in a single layer in a 8X10 inch pan. Add the butter and brown sugar to a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Pour the mixture evenly over the crackers. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips. The chocolate will immediately start to melt, and using a spoon or knife, spread the chocolate to cover the sugar mixture evenly. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top. Let the pan cool to room temperature and then chill until chocolate is firm. Break into pieces.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Peppermint Oreos
You can't beat this variation of the homemade oreo for Christmas!
1 package devil's food cake mix
2 beaten eggs
1/2 cup veg. oil
1/4 cup flour
Mix all ingredients until well blended. Dough will be stiff. Roll into 1/2 in. balls and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake 350 for 8-10 min...do not overbake!
Filling:
4 oz. cream cheese softened
2 Tbsp. butter softened
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
5 drops red food coloring
1/2 cup crushed candycane for rolling
Mix all ingredients in bowl. Fill cookies with a spoonful of frosting roll in crushed candycane and ENJOY!
Monday, November 22, 2010
"No-Bakes"!!

These have got to be by far one of my favorite combination of flavors and textures....it just satisfies.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Peanut Butter Bars

1 1/2 C graham cracker crumbs (about 1 1/2 packages)
3 1/2 C powdered sugar
1 1/2 C creamy peanut butter
1 C (2 sticks) butter, melted
2 cups chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark, you pick!)
a spoonful of peanut butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar and peanut butter and butter and beat until combined. Press into a parchment (or waxed paper or foil) lined 9x13 pan.
Place chocolate chips and spoonful of peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each one, until melted and smooth. Pour chocolate over peanut butter mixture and spread out evenly. Place pan in the fridge just until chocolate is set and then cut into bars.
Enjoy!







