Brownie Heaven

I have never been good at making brownies. For some reason I can't get the baking time right. Either I don't leave them in long enough, or I leave them in too long.

I think because I am better at making cakes. And it's easier to tell when a cake is done, than a brownie...well to me anyway =]

But I decided to conquer my brownie fear, and make some brownies with my own twist!

If your looking for a SUPER rich, SUPER dense, and SUPER moist brownies, well then these will work for you =] That and it REQUIRES a BIG glass of cold milk!

Take a look...

Moist

Dense

Rich

Want to try these brownies on your own? It's a really easy recipe.

Brownie Heaven Recipe/ PMS Brownies

For Brownies:

1 box Ghirardelli brownie mix

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1/2 cup mini marshmallows

For Frosting:

1/2 cup softened butter

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 TB. Whipping Cream/Milk

2 cups Powdered Sugar (can add more or less depending on sweetness and consistency)

Instructions

1. Make brownies according to package

2. Mix in chocolate chips and marshmallows.

3. Bake at 325 for 45 min. (I baked mine at about that time, and they were really moist a kinda gooey, BUT they were perfect the next day. So cook according to your preference.)

4. Once baked, take out of oven and let cool while making frosting.

5. FROSTING: Beat all ingredients with egg beater, until frosting consistency. Should be somewhat thick.

6. After brownies have cooled for about 10-15 min, spread on brownies. (Brownies should still be somewhat warm.) You don't have to use all the frosting...i did though =]

7. It's best to let the brownies set a little bit, but if your tempted, dive right in!)

8. WARNING: Can cause chocolate coma...so eat sparingly =]

ENJOY!

One week and counting

I wanted to express how I feel at this NINTH month stage of my pregnancy! (I know CRAZY) Since there are SO many emotions, I figured these cartoons could put it into words =]

Even though I am tired, overwhelmed, and OH SO ready to meet my precious little angel, I am SO blessed to have had a healthy and amazing pregnancy. And that TRULY makes me happy and everything SO worth it!

One more week to go! (Hopefully)

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

I have been a little on a baking kick lately. But I wanted to try something a little different. Ya'll know I am kinda a cakey cupcake chocolate queen, and I have never really done a PIE.

So I was trying to think of what kind of pie to make, and of coarse...WHAT do you think came to mind...ChOcOlAtE!! Bwahaha

BUT I put my food down and said NO! You must step out of that comfort zone and try something different...Let me tell you I was very nervous =] (Can you say DoRk?)

I decided on a Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie...Kinda summery, and really delicious.

I turned to one of my favorite chefs, Mrs. Paula Deen, for the filling recipe.

It is SUPER simple, and it uses one of my FAVORITE ingredients. Sweetened Condensed Milk =]

Click HERE for filling recipe.

To start off with, take either a pre-made pie crust or homemade one. You can do any flavor of crust, I chose a gingersnap crust.

Once pie is in filling, set in the fridge to chill for a little. During this time you can slice up strawberries for the topping. Once all the strawberries are cute up, place on top of the pie, and place back in refrigerator.

Next I made a strawberry glaze, a recipe which I got off the internet. I can't find my recipe at the moment, but any glaze will do. This one had a little bit of strawberry jello, and sugar if that helps.

Then you just drizzle the glaze on top, and put back in the fridge.

To top it all off I made fresh whipped cream (just heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar), and piped it on top of the pie.

(Excuse the pic from the I phizzle of the half eaten pie. I forgot to take a picture of the finished product.)

For my first time branching out I did a pretty good job, but I think I am going to challenge myself a little bit more. For my next experiment I am going to bring back my partner in crime...chocolate...

You didn't think I would forget about chocolate?? =]

Teal Bridal Shower Cupcakes

This weekend I had the opportunity to decorate cupcakes for a friends bridal shower. Her colors are black, silver, and teal. Maybe I was just tired from being 38 weeks pregnant, or I have really lost my creativity. I just couldn't think of something to do. But I pressed forward, and tried my best. They turned out ok, but I think I could have done a better job =]

(Can you tell I am my biggest critic?)

I do like the butterflies. I might do more of those some other time.

Overwhelmed =[

Yes, this is a picture of my living room. One side that is. I am a little overwhelmed right now. haha

Not only do I have all my baby stuff to find a place for, but we are also in the middle of a move, so I am packing for that as well. =]

AND I am less than 4 weeks from my due date, so I can't really do anything TOO physical. OH and I would like to make a shout out to my family as well as the hubby's family and say Thank You for taking an almost TWO week vacation at the same time =] I hope all of you miss your grandchild's birth...

Just Kidding! I would NEVER want that! SO hurry back from vacation! We miss you!

Ok Venting time is over =]

Even though I am stressed out, I still love life and am grateful for every moment of it. The hubby is working extra hard to make life easier and I LOVE him so much for that =]

Can't wait to meet our baby girl...Hopefully I'll be able to pull everything together so she isn't sleeping in our bottom clothing drawer =]

joking again...

In Memory

Sometimes life throws you unexpecting experiences.

Some of those can make or break you.

Yesterday a good friend of mine passed away.

Story goes, I have a best friend who I grew up with for years. We went to high school together, we went to college together, we got married a couple months from each other, and we were experiencing life together. Yet, I never thought I would experience this with her.

Her and I were visiting our home town for a good friends wedding, when she got a phone call that her husband had past. His name was Adam, and he was So young.

Here they are on their wedding day. They were such goobers. Always smiling, and so in love.

Adam was the life of the party. If you ever needed someone to make you smile, he was the guy. Never a dull moment with him.

My prayers and thoughts go out to Heather. It is so hard to watch a friend go through a tragedy. I love you Adam and will truly miss you. Thank you for being a good friend to me and a great husband to my best friend.