Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars

I found this yummy, chocolate treat a couple of weeks ago when I was searching for something new to make for a dessert social I was catering for work. I needed something chocolate for the menu and I thought this recipe sounded perfect. I received rave reviews, so this one is definitely a keeper!

Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars

recipe from Yourhomebasedmom.com

2 1/3 c flour

2/3 c brown sugar

1/4 c butter

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 (12 oz) pkg. chocolate chips

1 c chopped nuts (I left them out)

14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

10 oz. toffee bits ( I used Heath brand)

Stir together flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs. Add egg and mix well. Stir in 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips and all of the nuts if you are using them. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture and press remaining into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Pour sweetened condensed milk over hot crust and top with 1 cup of toffee bits. Sprinkle remaining crumbs over top plus remaining chocolate chips. Bake 25-30 more minutes. Top with remaining toffee bits. Let cool and cut into bars.

Enjoy!

Cupcake in the Snow

In honor of all of the snow we have been getting here in Virginia I decided to be silly and take a photo of one of my cupcakes in my yard. My neighbors probably think I am crazy being outside with my camera and a cupcake! I love the simplicity of the cupcake with the snow in the background. It makes me happy. Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! My daughter requested this cookie after we saw the one that Bakerella made on her blog last week - it looked so cute. I had purchased the Wilton Cookie Pan last year and used a regular chocolate chip cookie recipe, but when we noticed that Bakerella used Butterscotch chips we thought we would give them a try. The cookie was delish, especially with the chocolate ganache! It was kind of an after-thought to post this on my blog or I would have taken much more time decorating it to make sure the candies were straight. Oh well, it still tasted yummy! Hope you all have a fantastic Valentine's Day!

Dirt Cups

Looking for a tasty little treat for the kids? Make Dirt Cups - they're easy to make and tasty too. Heck, I even enjoyed one myself - gummy worms and all.

Dirt Cups

recipe from Kraftrecipes.com

2 cups cold milk

1 pkg. (4-serving size) Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding

1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip, thawed

15 Oreo Cookies, finely crushed, divided

Worm Shaped Chewy Fruit Snacks

Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended. Let stand 5 minutes. Gently fold in whipped topping and half of the cookie crumbs.

Spoon into paper or plastic cups (6 to 7 oz). Top with remaining cookie crumbs.

Refrigerate at least one hour. Top with gummy worms just before serving. Store in fridge if you have any left.

Steel Cut Oats

I have been eating oatmeal every morning for breakfast for about two years now because it's quick, easy and tasty. For the past year and 11 months it's been the instant kind, which obviously I like or I would not keep eating it. But, I have been hearing a lot about Steel Cut Oats and how much healthier it is for you, so I decided to give it a try and I love it. I've been buying Bob's Red Mill brand from Martin's and have been very happy with it. The texture is much heartier than instant and it sticks with you longer. Plus, I feel like I'm getting my day off to an even healthier start.

The down side is that Steel Cut Oats take much longer to cook than instant, so every couple of days I make a batch in the evening - put in in a covered plastic container and it's ready for me in the morning. I just spoon out the amount I want and microwave it for about 45 seconds and I have a delicious, healthy breakfast. Most of the time I top it with a couple craisins, chopped walnuts, agave nectar and soy milk, but it's also yummy with some good ole brown sugar and milk. If you're looking for a healthy way to start your day give it a try!

Steel Cut Oats

3 cups water

1 cup Steel Cut Oats

dash of salt

Bring water and salt to a boil. Add oats and then simmer on low for about 25 minutes or until water is absorbed. Top dried fruit, nuts or your favorite oatmeal topping.

How simple is that!