Inside BruCrew Life

Milky Way Brownie Cups

2012-03-02T07:27:00.017-05:00

My sister and her family are coming in a few days

and I decided that the our big bathroom needed to finally be redone...

with less than a week to do it.

It is the last room in the house with wallpaper from when we moved in.

The wallpaper look had run its course with me.

Can I just tell you that I think wallpaper paste is evil, evil stuff?

Now I'm sure if I had listened to everyone on Facebook

and had tried the Downy method, it might have come off easier.

But there was only a little bit left in the laundry room

and I saved it for you know, clothes.

My husband has been too busy this week to really help out,

so he told me I was kind of on my own on this project.

I am feeling kind of like Amy Wynn

(anyone remember her from Trading Spaces?)

So far I have stripped wallpaper, mudded and sanded the holes,

and primed the walls, and painted trim and the sink cabinet.

Now I just need to break out the power tools and cut some bead board...

probably going to need some help there.

Cutting out outlet holes could be a problem.

I might be regretting my hasty bathroom project.

It is Friday, and my family is coming Monday.

Oh yeah, and I have grocery shopping to do today

and cleaning up for a dinner we are having tonight.

Maybe I should have just stuck to the brownies and caramel thing...

that only ends in a sink full of dishes.

And dishes are sure a lot easier to do than

putting a bathroom back together.

I have a feeling that a lot of chocolate is going to be needed

this weekend to get me through with minimal crabbiness.

These little brownie bites filled with caramel

and nougat topping just might do the trick!!!

Have you ever started a big project

and then regretted it???

Milky Way Brownie Cups

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 mnutes

Ingredients

brownie mix
1/2 c. caramel ice cream topping
1 (8 oz.) container whipped topping
2 c. chocolate chips

Instructions

Follow directions for brownies on box. Spoon 1 teaspoon into greased mini muffin tins. Bake for 12 minutes at 350*. Let the brownies cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then use a wooden tart shaper or spoon to push the centers in. Let cool 2 more minutes in the pan, then remove to wire rack and cool completely.

In a small sauce pan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips. Stir until completely smooth. Beat with mixer for 1 minute. Add whipped topping and beat another minute.

Spoon a small amount of caramel into each cup. Pipe chocolate whipped topping on top of caramel. Refrigerate until set. Store in a container in the refrigerator.

Shared with: Friday Flair, Sweet Tooth, BFF Open House, I'm Lovin It, Creative Endeavors, Weekend Potluck

Free For All, Anything Goes, Weekend Wrap Up, Sweets for a Saturday, Strut Your Stuff, Sundae Scoop

Think Pink

Accessorizing from your own Stash.

2012-03-01T10:15:00.010-05:00

Some days it is fun to "shop" in your own closet

and see what you can put together.

This pink sweater was one that I picked up at Goodwill a while back...

but I wasn't 100% crazy about it for some reason.

It just never seemed to look right with any shirt that I tried,

so it was in a pile in the corner waiting to make its way back to GW.

Sunday I pulled out this brown shirt,

but I couldn't find the green sweater that I usually pair with it.

As I was looking, (haha more like tossing everything I own on the floor)

I realized that the pink was the same shade

as the one that I was going to give away.

So glad I realized this before it went in the GW bag

because it was just what this shirt needed.

The green sweater can stay missing because the pink is much better.

Time to move on to the fun accessories...

my favorite part of an outfit because these

make an outfit stand out!!!

Bright fun shoes are something that I always look for.

So yellow ruffle wedges with pink and brown...sure why not???

And I got them from GW brand new...

I have no idea why someone would give away such cute shoes

without wearing them, but I will take them!!!

I also knew that I wanted to wear my big metal owl necklace.

(That was the best $5 I ever spent because I wear it ALL the time.)

Today though...it needed more.

Necklaces were being flung all over the dresser and bed

as I searched for something else to add to the owl.

I found two other simple necklaces in the same metal shade.

Layered necklaces are popular right now,

so why not create your own fun look with ones you have?

Owls, flowers, and beads...it all goes.

And then to top it off a fun sparkly cuff bracelet.

Lately I find myself being drawn to bracelets more than anything else.

So the next time you have nothing to wear...

try throwing everything out of your drawers

and start seeing what matches.

You never know what fun "new" outfit

is just waiting to be discovered in your OWN closet!!!

Necklaces: Charlotte Russe ($5 each)

Cuff Bracelet: Vanity ($12)

Brown shirt: Maurices from a few years ago ($20)

Pink sweater: Goodwill ($4)

Aeropostale jeans: Goodwill ($6)

Yellow wedges: Goodwill ($4)

Fashion tips for the day:

1. Wear a fun crazy colored shoe that doesn't match.

2. Don't stop at just one necklace. Look through all the ones you own

and see if you can layer them for a fun different look.

Shared with: DIY Diva, EBTKS, Friday Flair, BFF Open House, I'm Lovin It, Free for All, Anything Goes

Think Pink

Toffee Latte Scones

2012-02-29T08:05:00.011-05:00

Well, it has happened.

I am not smarter than a 7th grader,

or a 5th grader for that matter.

Shoot! I was struggling to do 4th grader work yesterday.

My daughter and I have been studying so much lately,

so that she can get better grades.

Poor girl...she actually has to study like mad to just get B's & C's.

And you know what...we are ok with that because she is trying hard.

That is all we ask of her.

So the other night we were doing math ISTEP prep papers.

Boy, did I feel dumb!

I couldn't remember for the life of me what

mean, median, and mode numbers were or did.

So my oldest (7th grader) was trying to explain it.

Either I have been out of school WAY too long...

or they are learning things that I never did.

My sugar laden brain was struggling.

So, with some help from Google

and a phone call to my husband at work,

we finally got the paper done.

Ppppfffeeeewwww!

I'm glad that's over for another night.

Fast forward about 30 minutes and we were

going over her study sheet for an upcoming science test.

I asked her a question about igneous rocks.

My son (Mr. Smarty Pants) looks at me with a really funny look

and then he starts to laugh.

He came over and looked at the paper

and proceded to school me on the proper way to say the rock name.

Maybe I just wanted to make up my own pronunciation...

you know, to make it more fun.

Or maybe this stay at home mom stuff has made me dumber

than those rocks I can't say.

I really should read more than magazines I guess.

Now ask me a baking question and I can get those right...

most of the time.

The other times I just throw it in a pan and hope for the best:-)

Take these yummy scones for instance.

I decided to play around with using melted ice cream in place of the liquids.

It wasn't too much of a stretch...replace liquid for liquid.

I am happy to report that they baked up just fine.

Who needs igneous rocks or mean numbers

when you can play with ice cream and scones?

Toffee Latte Scones

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 c. butter, chilled
2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 c. toffee bits
2 Tbsp. instant coffee
2 eggs
1/4 c. vanilla ice cream, melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400*. In a small bowl, stir together melted ice cream and instant coffee until dissolved. Whisk in eggs. Set aside.

Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a mixing bowl; cut in the butter until the butter is very tiny pieces. Stir in the toffee bits. Add the ice cream mixture to the flour mixture. Mix with a fork until it is all combined.

Pat into a 8-10 inch circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into wedges. Bake for 10 minutes at 400*. Reduce the heat to 300* and bake 10 more minutes. Remove from the oven. Cut through the wedges again and separate slightly. Place back in oven and bake 5 more minutes.

Shared with: This Chick Cooks, Sweet Party, Link it Up, Wow Me, Sweet Treats, It's a Keeper

Friday Flair

Trick or Treat Tuesday

2012-02-28T05:00:00.001-05:00

It is time to party like a rock star...

or party like a blogger:-)

I look forward to Trick or Treat Tuesday each week.

1. because I get to see all the fun things YOU have been doing.

2. my blogging gets to take a break...and I need that sometimes.

I have been sitting here forever trying to think of something to say

and it just isn't happening tonight,

so I will let all the fun features talk for me.

the FAB 5 FEATURES this week

are all yummy looking cupcakes...

I must have been craving sweet cake

as I looked through all the fun stuff!

Go ahead and grab a featured button girls:-)

Crazy for Crust made the coolest

RAINBOW CUPCAKES for her daughter.

I love that she made the mini topper out of cake too!!!

These MARDI GRAS CUPCAKES are so much fun

to look at and I bet even more fun to eat.

I love the colors that DJ's Sugar Shack

created these with.

This fun LE POUF PINCUSHION from

The Scrap Shoppe reminded me so much

of a fabric cupcake, that I just had to share it:-)

A PEANUT BUTTER TRUFFLE CUPCAKE?

I think I would be eating the frosting by the spoonfuls:-)

Thanks to Chronicles of a Cupcake Artist for this decadent delight.

Since Oreo is one of my all time favorites to use in recipes...

these OREO CUPCAKES from What Meegan Makes

were a for sure winner!!!!

IT'S PARTY TIME:-)

Link up CRAFTS, PROJECTS, and of course RECIPES!!!!

Keep on amazing me with what you create!!!

Just remember:

No etsy shops or giveaways.

And a link back is always appreciated...but not necessary:-)

You can grab the button under the button tab or use a text link.

***AND DON'T FORGET TO VISIT SOME OTHER LINKS!!!***

Let's leave lots of great comments for our party guests!

Mint Chocolate Cookies N Cream Fudge - SRC

2012-02-27T12:00:00.017-05:00

Today is my reveal for the Secret Recipe Club.

This month I had the priviledge of choosing a recipe from

Hilary's blog Baking Bad.

I was pretty excited to get hers because she lives about an hour from me,

but we have never met...one day maybe?

I was so inspired to cook some better food as I went through her blog...

inspired to actually make some yummy food

like this and this.

But my heart is always pounding after

yummy sounding and tasting desserts...

so off I went to check out her treats.

I knew the minute I saw the mint cookies and cream fudge

that this was it...plus I had just bought mint oreos.

Cha-ching!!!!

This was going to be awesome!

And the best part was going back later and

realizing that Hilary adapted it from my blogging BFF Aimee:-)

If you have been reading my blog for any time at all,

you know one major thing about me...

I love to jazz my desserts up with all sorts of sugar bling.

Hilary's fudge got the royal treatment in my kitchen.

First it was given a bottom layer of dark chocolate fudge.

Then it was topped off with the cookies and cream layer

that had been colored a bright fun green color.

I seem to have a thing for two toned fudge.

Remember the Cappuccino Fudge and the Red Hot Fudge???

This fudge may have converted me from just using

a can of frosting for my fudge.

I absolutely loved how creamy the condensed milk and fluff made it.

Definitely a good thing I sent most of it to work with my husband...

otherwise I would be face planting

right into the pan of about now!!!

Mint Chocolate Cookies N Cream Fudge

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Layer

2 c. dark chocolate chips
1 Tbsp. butter
1/2 jar Marshmallow Fluff (7 oz. jar)
1/2 can condensed milk (14 oz. can)
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/8 tsp. salt

For the Mint Layer

2 c. white chocolate chips
1 Tbsp. butter
1/2 jar Marshmallow Fluff (7 oz. jar)
1/2 can condensed milk (14 oz. can)
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/8 tsp. salt
10 mint oreos, broken into chunks
green food coloring

Instructions

For the Chocolate Layer

In a small sauce pan, combine the chocolate chips, butter, condensed milk, and marshmallow fluff over medium heat. Stir until completely melted together.

Stir in the vanilla and salt. Pour into an 8x8 pan that has been lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate until set.

For the Mint Layer

In a small saucepan, combine the white chips, butter, condensed milk, and marshmallow fluff over medium heat. Stir until completely melted together.

Stir in the vanilla, salt, and a little bit of green food coloring. Stir in the broken mint oreos. Pour on top of the chocolate layer. Top with extra broken cookie pieces. Refrigerate until set. Let the fudge come to room temperature before cutting.

Shared with: Mingle Monday, Mix it Up, Makin You Crave, Crazy Sweets, Tip Me, Talent Show

Tasty Tuesday, A Little Birdie Told Me, Take a Look, Naptime Creations, Two Maids a Baking

Wowzers, Sweet Treats, Weekend Wrap Up, Strut Your Stuff

Mini Brownie Fruit Pizzas

2012-02-24T06:00:00.018-05:00

We have had such a mild winter this year.

Lots of warm spring like days.

Not a lot of snow.

I could get used to a winter like this for sure.

Where is the wooden table to knock on?

Because I may have just jinxed the rest of

February and March for us:-)

With warm(er) temperatures and

rainy spring like days, I have been wanting something fruity.

I bought a whoopie pie pan from Hobby Lobby

with my weekly coupon...

and I had a brownie mix in the cupboard.

The rest was history...

I knew exactly what I wanted.

And it couldn't wait.

On my way to get the kids from school,

I bought some strawberries, kiwis and blueberries.

(Something about this combo was calling my name.)

I know fruit doesn't usually talk to me, but hey,

maybe it knew that I was pairing it with a fudge brownie.

Who knows?

But I am sure glad I listened to the call.

These were the perfect little after dinner treat.

The pizza "sauce" was light and creamy and

complimented the brownies and fruit perfectly.

And the colors...

don't get me started on the colors.

I may have done a happy dance when I finished plating them.

Yup, they were just so pretty and flower like.

*WARNING*

Don't expect these to last very long in your house if you make them.

My family devoured them in less than 24 hours.

My son said they made a great breakfast too.

Did you have any fun dancing moments this week?

Do share...I love hearing from you:-)

Mini Brownie Fruit Pizzas

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients (20 mini pizzas)

brownie mix
4 oz. cream cheese
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. cool whip
strawberries, sliced
kiwis, peeled and sliced
blueberries

Instructions

Mix up brownies according to the 2 egg ingredients on the box. Spray whoopie pie pan with non stick spray. Place 1 large tablespoon of batter in each cavity of the pan. Bake at 350* for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges as soon as they come out of the oven. Let cool 4-5 minutes in the pan, then gently remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Beat the cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar until creamy. Fold in the cool whip gently. Top each brownie with a spoonful of topping. Arrange sliced strawberries, kiwi, and one blueberry on the top of each to resemble a flower. Keep refrigerated when not being eaten.

Shared on: Friday Flair, Free For All, Sweet Tooth, I'm Lovin It, Feature Friday, BFF Open House

Weekend Potluck, Weekend Wrap Up, Once Upon a Weekend, Sweets for a Saturday, Seasonal Inspiration

Strut Your Stuff, Sweet Indulgences, Think Pink, Sundae Scoop, Making You Crave

Almond Joy Popcorn Munch

2012-02-22T06:20:00.010-05:00

So the other day I was driving to pick my kids

up from school when I realized my hands

really could use some lotion.

I have been driving for so many years...no problem.

I knew that I could handle getting in my bag,

grabbing the lotion, and staying in my lane.

Like I said, no problem at all.

The problem comes as I keep my eyes

on the road and squeeze the lotion on my hands.

I drop the tube in my lap and start

to rub the the lotion on my hands.

Immediately I realize that I squeezed

way too much out...and my hands were WHITE.

I didn't even want to touch the steering wheel.

It was bad...really bad.

My mind is racing with my options...

do I should just wipe it on my jeans or

just wipe it on the van seat?

Both sounded bad...

I don't want lotion spots in my jeans forever, and...

I don't want my husband to "kill" me for wiping it on the seat.

Then I remembered...I shaved this morning.

So, very carefully...remember I am still driving...

I pull up a pant leg and rub some lotion in.

Then I repeated on the other side.

All better:-)

What?

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

It's just a good thing there wasn't that much

traffic on that road.

Hey, I stayed in my lane the entire time.

I just was very preoccupied.

You know what else seemed like a good idea at the time?

Almond Joy Popcorn!!!!

And truly it was a great idea!!!

I mean, 2 kinds of chocolate, 2 kinds of Almond Joy,

toasted coconut and almonds. Be still my heart!!!!

The only problem...is trying to stop once you start:-)

If you like coconut, I dare you to make some...

and try to stop eating!

Almond Joy Popcorn Munch

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 c. shredded coconut
7 c. popped popcorn (I used extra butter flavor)
1 1/2 c. chopped Almond Joy bars
1/2 c. slivered almonds
1 c. Almond Joy pieces
1 c. white chocolate, melted
1/4 c. dark chocolate chips, melted

Instructions

Spread coconut on a baking sheet and place in 400* oven for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so the coconut does not burn. Cool on pan.

In a large bowl combine the popcorn, Almond Joy bars and almonds. Pour the melted white chocolate over the popcorn and toss to coat. Spread on a large baking sheet that has been lined with wax paper. Sprinkle with the Almond Joy pieces. Place in the refrigerator to set up quickly.

Break the popcorn into large chunks. Drizzle with the melted dark chocolate and let set again. Store in a tightly sealed container.

Shared with: This Chick Cooks, Wow Me, Junk in their Trunk, Sweet Party, Sweet Treats

It's a Keeper

Trick or Treat Tuesday

2012-02-21T05:00:00.001-05:00

Happy "FAT" Tuesday!!!

Any day that is all about celebrating with

all the yummy food you can think of

is absolutely AWESOME!!!!!

What delicious goodies are you planning on indulging in today?

And then giving up tomorrow???

I'm thinking brownies, popcorn, and no bakes.

That's just what I'm making and eating...

probably not going to give those up anytime soon:-)

Last week's party was so full of fun things that you made...

it is getting really hard to pick out the features.

I wish I could share everything, but since that would

be a very long post, let's keep to five...for now:-)

Here are your FAB 5 FEATURES of the week.

You guys rocked it out!!!

I am in love with this NUTELLA STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

from What's Cooking, Love. Of course,

anything with Nutella in it is ok with me:-)

OATMEAL RAISIN WHITE CHIP COOKIES...sounds healthy to me,

so they could easily be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

And then again as a midnight snack:-)

Thank you Mrs. Fox's Sweets for sharing

such an awesome cookie to munch on all the time!

These CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY WHOOPIE PIES

from Cookie Crazed Mama are awesome!!!

I can't wait to make some more whoopie pies

and add the extra chocolate to the top!!!

Mandy's Recipe Box had me as soon as I heard these

RASPBERRY BARS were crunchy, chewy, and soft in every bite.

Plus Raspberry and chocolate sounds amazing together!

Are you kidding me? SMORES MILK???

Hugs & Cookies you hit it out of the park with this one:-)

My kids are going to love it when we make this!!!

Are you ready to party now???

Link up CRAFTS, PROJECTS, and of course RECIPES!!!!

I can't wait to see all the fun things you have made this week.

Just remember:

No etsy shops or giveaways.

And a link back is always appreciated...but not necessary:-)

You can grab the button under the button tab or use a text link.

***AND DON'T FORGET TO VISIT SOME OTHER LINKS!!!***

Let's leave lots of great comments for our party guests!

Chocolate Mocha Muffins

2012-02-20T06:20:00.012-05:00

A few weeks ago my daughter and I went out on a shopping "date".

We try to go out every couple months just the two of us.

The plan is that she can stop at any store she wants and

we usually get some sort of coffee drink for our shopping energy.

Now on these "dates" I am not allowed to go to the stores

that I normally would go into.

This means no Old Navy, no Maurices, no American Eagle...

basically no clothing stores except for Justice.

And that clothing store is the only one allowed because

she loves their clothes.

Me...I don't love their prices that much,

so I have to limit her to the clearance racks and maybe a nail polish.

We had a blast going through the racks

and even found her a few tops and nail polish

without breaking the bank.

She even let me walk into Maurices...

notice I said walk.

There was no stopping or even trying on of clothes!

But that is ok because the date is all about her anyway:-)

After an hour or so of kid shopping,

we headed home.

Our van was outside of Kohls

so we were cutting through the store to get there when...

I kind of wandered off the path toward some racks.

Those clothes were telling me to come see them:-)

It was clearance after all!!!!

My daughter followed behind me, grabbed my arm

and said, "Mom, you were doing so good."

Mind you she was shaking her head in disbelief as she said this.

I just had to laugh at her because it was so cute how she said it.

These muffins might make you shake your head

and say, "I was doing so good."

Why? Because they will cry out to you

and ask to be eaten.

How do I know this?

Because I might have had a few talk to me

after I made them twice:-)

Yes, I was doing so good.

Until, those muffins called me out.

I couldn't resist the call.

It would have been rude:-)

(And yes, food talks to me more than is probably normal:-)

So you better listen and make some muffins for breakfast.

You know they are talking to you too;-)

Chocolate Mocha Muffins

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients (15 muffins)

1/2 c. butter
1/3 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. sugar
1 egg
2 tsp. vanilla
2/3 c. sour cream
1/3 c. milk
1/3 c. brewed coffee
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. cocoa powder
2 c. flour
1 c. mini chocolate chips
1 c. dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Cream the butter and sugars until fluffy. Add the egg, sour cream, and vanilla and beat until creamy.

Sift the dry ingredients and add alternately with the milk and coffee, beating slowly. Do not over beat. Stir in the chips by hand. Scoop into 15 cupcake liners. The liners will be full. Bake at 400* for 18 minutes. Remove from tin and cool on wire rack.

Shared with: Mingle Monday, Makin You Crave, Talent Show, Tasty Tuesday, A Little Birdie Told Me

Tea Party, Crazy Sweets, Naptime Creations, Show Me What Ya Got

Best Banana Cake

2012-02-17T09:09:00.021-05:00

The most unused and under appreciated appliance in our house

is a large juicer!

Poor thing is so lonely,

because no one wants to play with it.

Last year about this time we (really my husband)

decided that we should incorporate some juice to our diet.

He read about these juice fasts and thought we should try one.

You know the time of year...

it's when you decide it is time to get healthy

because summer is coming all too quickly.

(something about wearing bathing suits gets you motivated quicker)

We only used it once or twice.

Let me rephrase that...

I only took a sip of one of those.

Want to know why?

Delicious fruits and vegetables become totally destroyed

when their juice is stripped from them.

It was hard to even swallow:-)

In my husband's words...

"A cucumber tastes like monkey sweat and

a carrot tastes like old dish water.

It is just plain horrible."

So our juice has been sitting collecting dust under the cabinet.

But we still hold on to the fact that one day we will

take up juicing and it might be magically delicious!

Until then I prefer to eat my fruits in cakes like this!!!

I had bunches of brown bananas to use up like yesterday.

So I instagramed a picture of them and facebooked everyone

asking what I could make with all the bananas rotting on my counter.

You guys are awesome!

I had so many comments about what to make.

But then a good friend from college called me with this recipe...

and I knew this was the one I wanted to try.

It is truly the Best Banana Cake I have ever eaten.

And it was just begging for some sort of chocolate frosting,

and since there was hot fudge in the fridge

I decided to use that some how!

This cake was so good that we devoured it in a day...

and then 3 days later, I made it again for our lifegroup!

Yup, it is that good!

I would make it right now

if I had more brown bananas.

So, I am curious...

do you have any unused appliances collecting dust in your house?

Or are we the only ones?

Best Banana Cake

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake

1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 c. flour
1/2 c. buttermilk
3 brown bananas, smashed

For the Frosting

1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
dash of salt
6 Tbsp. hot fudge sundae topping, warmed
2 c. powdered sugar
1-2 Tbsp. water

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, salt, and vanilla and beat until creamy. Stir in the bananas.

Sift the flour, cinnamon, and baking soda together and add to the banana mixture alternately with the buttermilk.

Place cake mixture into a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350* for 35 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Frost with Hot Fudge Butter Cream.

For the Frosting

Cream the butter, shortening, vanilla, dash of salt, and warm hot fudge until creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar until it is all incorporated. Add the water to thin it out slightly.

Shared with: Weekend Potluck, Friday Flair, Sweet Tooth, BFF Open House, Tickled Pink

Free For All, Weekend Wrap Up, Sweets for a Saturday, Strut Your Stuff, Seasonal Inspiration

Sundae Scoop, Think Pink, Create & Inspire, Mingle Monday, Makin You Crave, Manic Monday

Sweet Spot

Whatchamacallit Blondies

2012-02-15T06:20:00.011-05:00

I know what you are thinking:-)

Do we really need another blonde brownie recipe?

The answer to that is a very loud YES!!!

But I knew you would need more than a picture

to convince you, so...

I came prepared with some excellent reasons

on why you need to bake them. (like today)

1. They are filled with two kinds of caramel.

2. Their crunch comes from rice krispies and peanuts.

3. A brownie topped with rich chocolate is a no brainer.

4. Brownies copying candy bars...always a good idea.

5. It is a eewwy gooey blonde brownie. Nuff said!

I did come up with one reason

NOT to make them...

1. They won't last the night once you taste them.

Now you might think,

"that is a good enough reason NOT to bake them for me."

But trust me...you want these blondies in your life ASAP.

ANd I do mean WANT them for sure!

It is possible that your thighs will hate you in the morning,

but it will be oh, so worth it when you take that first bite:-)

Slightly under baked, full of crunchy krispies and

loaded with gooey caramel...totally drool worthy!

Yup! I have you convinced to bake today, don't I!

What are you still doing here???

Go set out the butter so you can bake these

before the kids get home from school.

See, you won't have to eat the whole pan...

unless you really want to.

I'm pretty sure your family will help you devour them!!

I know mine did:-)

Whatchamacallit Bars

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients

for the bars

2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1/4 c. caramel ice cream topping
3/4 c. caramel bits
3/4 c. chopped peanuts
1 1/2 c. rice krispies

for the topping

1 c. chocolate chips
1/4 c. whipping cream

Instructions

Cream the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla, caramel topping and salt and beat on low until fluffy.

Sift the baking powder and flour and slowly add to the butter mixture. Stir in the caramel bits, peanuts and rice krispies by hand. Spread in a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350* for 28 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Bring the whipping cream to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat and stir in the chips. Stir until melted and creamy. Let cool slightly. Spread on top of the cooled blondies and let set.

Shared with: This Chick Cooks, Junk in their Trunk, Wow Me, Show and Share

Trick or Treat Tuesday...the Heart Edition!

2012-02-14T05:00:00.002-05:00

Happy ♥ Day!

The internet has been blooming with

all things hearts, chocolate and love

for quite a few weeks now.

This past week one song

kept coming to mind when I would see

the word LOVE.

Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure!

It's an oldie but for sure a goodie!!!!

(found on Pinterest but it is from LampLightArt)

I am so thankful that God loves me no matter what.

What a humbling thought! Definitely hard to comprehend some days!

He is always there even when I am not

or when I have a bad heart attitude.

Thank goodness for God's love that covers all my sins.

I want to continue to grow stronger in my faith

and to model my love for others after the One

who keeps loving me when I don't deserve it.

This is something I have been working on

and teaching my kids.

I am also so thankful for a husband who models

all these "love" qualities and loves me

even when I act "unloveable".

Happy Valentines Day baby!!!

I love you with a cherry on top:-)

ARE YOU READY TO PARTY????

I can't wait to see the fun things that you share with me today:-)

Really I do look forward to this day...you all are a crafty bunch.

And I LOVE it!

Since it is Valentines Day

THE FAB 5 FEATURES

are all about the ♥...

And since the way to your heart is through your stomach,

I have some yummy goodness to share.

Sweet and Salty is just how I like my pretzels!!

This PRETZEL HEART MUNCH from

Miss Candiquik would be so easy to have done

before the kids get home from school.

(and there is even a free printable included:-)

I would do anything for about 3 dozen of these delicious

PEANUT BUTTER & CHOCOLATE HEART COOKIES!

Searching for Dessert hit it out of the park with these yummies!!!

Deelicious Sweets made some delicious heart shaped

RED VELVET SWEETHEART CAKES!

These would be so easy to whip up before tonight's dinner!

These adorable HEART MARSHMALLOW BROWNIE BITES

have been following me around all blog land.

I still can't get over how cute they are!

Kudos to A Pumpkin and A Princess for creating a super heart-y treat!

And I just had to show off these OREO PIG POPS!!!

Are these not the cutest thing ever from Blondie and Brownies?

The heart nostrils are killing me:-)

Ok, get ready to link up some

CRAFTS, PROJECTS, and of course RECIPES!!!!

I can't wait to see all the fun things you have made this week.

Just remember:

No etsy shops or giveaways.

And a link back is always appreciated...but not necessary:-)

You can grab the button under the button tab or use a text link.

Marshmallow Brownie Bites

2012-02-13T01:40:00.015-05:00


Happy day before love day!

Honestly, we aren't super mushy people
and we don't really celebrate Valentine's Day.

I say "don't really" lightly
because my husband has been known
to buy me flowers and surprise me.

This year he is taking me to

one of my favorite stores...IKEA!

It wasn't for Valentine's Day though.

It just happened to fall on heart week.
(Yea for some fun new furnishing and food props:-)

One thing I DO love about heart day...

or any holiday for that matter,
is that I can bake up a crazy amount of themed treats

and not be ridiculed for it...too much that is.

My family might be a little tired

of eating pink and red food:-)

I have gone slightly overboard

this last month making...

Coconut Nutella Cookies, Cherry Marshmallow Treats,

Pink Velvet Macaroons, Chocolate Cherry M&M cookies,

and Red Hot Oreo Fudge this year.

Today I am giving you one more pink treat for a while.
And it is a super easy one too.

Marshmallow Brownie Bites.

All you need is a pan of brownies,

some marshmallows, and some melting chocolate...

oh and some time.

The good thing...

they will disappear as fast as you make them:-)

Marshmallow Brownie Bites

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 24 minutes

Ingredients

1 brownie mix
marshmallows
white melting chocolate (like Candiquik)
sprinkles

Instructions

Bake the brownies according to the 2 egg directions on the box. Let cool completely.

Cut into small bite size pieces. Flatten each piece and place a marshmallow in the center of the flattened brownie. Roll into a ball and place on a wax paper lined tray. After you have rolled all the brownies, place in the freezer for about 20 minutes.

Melt the white dipping chocolate in the microwave with a small amount of shortening, being careful not to burn it. Dip each brownie bit in the chocolate using a toothpick. Set back on the wax paper and top with sprinkles or colored sugar. Let set.




Still need a little bit more Heart Day inspiration for your kitchen?
Maybe one of last year's goodies is more your style:-)

Brookie Bites

Thin Mint Cupcakes

Cake Filled Cookie Hearts

Buckeye Filled Pretzels

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts

Shared with: Mingle Monday, Market Yourself, Melt in Your Mouth, Talent Show, Naptime Creations
A little Birdie Told Me, Crazy Sweets, Tasty Tuesday, Two Maids a Baking

Red Hot Oreo Fudge...and a HOP!

2012-02-10T05:00:00.025-05:00

Today is a super fun day!

You get Red Hot Oreo Fudge...

AND you get directed to 5 other amazing blogs

with more yummy fudge recipes!!!

Just in time for Valentines Day too!

You would think we planned it that way or something:-)

The fudge hop links are at the bottom.

Don't worry, we will get to them...I promise!!!

But first let's talk about red hots.

I don't know why, but when I think of red hots

it reminds me of Valentines.

Can I tell you a secret?

I don't really like red hots (unless it is in this jello)...

but I discovered that if you melt red hots into vanilla frosting

it turns into a yummy, slightly cinnamony goodness

that is hard to resist!

Believe me I know...because I didn't resist it very well:-)

It is super easy to make because it only takes 2 ingredients.

I love no fail fudge.

(mostly because I can't get the real stuff to set up)

Melt the chips...melt the frosting...chill.

Yummy fudge in less than 30 minutes.

Now that's my kind of fudge!!!

This is technically 4 ingredient fudge

because I added cookies and candies,

but still super easy to make...

and to eat:-)

My biggest advice about this fudge...

use a food processor to crush the red hots if you have one.

I put mine in plastic baggies and

tried to smash the crap out of it with a wooden spoon.

Did you know red hots are super hard?

It took a lot of effort to crush them.

But once I tasted the fudge it was well worth the muscle

I had to put into it.

See how pretty it looks?

Believe me...

it tasted as good as it looks too:-)

Tasted because mine is all gone...that makes me kind of sad.

I'd say it is time to check out some new fudge recipes:-)

Now for the fun part of the Party...

heading to the other blogs and seeing more fudge.

Be prepared to drool A LOT!!!

These 5 girls are some of my most favorite food bloggers!!!

I love reading their blogs

and seeing the yummy treats they come up with.

And they are all sweet as can be! (the girls, not the fudge)

You are going to love them as much as I do!!!

Aimee from Shugary Sweets - Cherry Fudge

Dorothy from Crazy for Crust - 100 Grand Fudge

Ashton from Something Swanky - Red Velvet Fudge

Holly from Life as a Lofthouse - Snickers Fudge

Mandy from Mandy's Recipe Box - Smooth as Silk Fudge

Red Hot Oreo Fudge

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Oreo Fudge

1 can chocolate frosting
1 bag chocolate chips
10 oreos, crunched

For the Red Hot Fudge

1 can vanilla frosting
1 bag white chocolate chips
1/2 c. red hots, crushed

Instructions

Line an 8x8 pan with foil and spray lightly with non stick cooking spray.

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips. Stir until melted. Stir in the chocolate frosting and continue stirring until melted and creamy. Stir in the cookie crumbles. Pour into the foil lined pan. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until set.

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate chips. Stir until melted. Stir in the vanilla frosting and continue stirring until melted and creamy. Stir in the crushed red hots. Stir a few minutes while the red hots melt and turn your fudge a pretty pink. Pour on top of the chocolate oreo fudge and let set on the counter for 10 minutes. Top with sprinkles and place in the fridge to set up completely.

Let the fudge come to room temperature before cutting into squares.

Shared with: Friday Flair, I'm Lovin It, BFF Open House, Free For All, Sweet Tooth, Weekend Potluck

Every Creative Endeavor, Weekend Showoff, Seasonal Inspiration, Weekend Wrap Up, Sweets for a Saturday

Chic and Crafty

Cherry Chocolate Coconut French Toast Bake

2012-02-09T06:25:00.016-05:00

Things that are making me smile this week:

1. My kids getting A's and B's on their tests.

2. Warm beds on cold mornings

3. Starbucks new Love cups

4. Magazines all about chocolate

5. Clean sheet day

6. Fun new recipes to try out from a friend

7. Planning a blog hop with some of my fav girls

8. Sparkly shirts found on clearance

9. Playing ping pong with the family

10. Warm french toast bake for a late night snack.

What?

You thought this was a breakfast food?

Sorry...we don't eat much for breakfast in this house:-)

so it ends up being a bed time snack!

But if you get up early enough to make this...

more power to you.

(I recommend reheating in a microwave, if you aren't a morning person like me:-)

Cherry Chocolate Coconut French Toast Bake

Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients (10 muffins)

3 Tbsp. butter, melted
3/4 c. cubed bagels (2 whole)
1 c. milk
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. shredded coconut
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. dried cherries
2 Tbsp. cherry juice
1 c. powdered sugar

Instructions

Cut bagels into cubes and toast on a pan at 350* for 7-8 minutes. Drizzle with the melted butter while on the baking sheet.

Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla and sugar in a large bowl. Add the bread cubes, chocolate chips, coconut and cherries. Let set in the bowl for 20 minutes. Divide into mini foil pans or use muffin liners. Bake at 350* for 20 minutes.

While baking, stir cherry juice into powdered sugar. Drizzle french toast with cherry glaze if desired. Serve while warm.

Shared with: Sweet Treats, It's a Keeper, Tastetastic Thursday, BFF Open House, Chic and Crafty

I'm Lovin It

White Chocolate Cherry M&M Cookies

2012-02-08T08:13:00.013-05:00

There are always some serious sugar cravings going on at my house.

It doesn't help that there is usually some sort

of baked good sitting on the cupboard or in the fridge

tempting us to dive right in.

I have been trying really hard to watch what I am eating...

usually just by watching it go into my mouth:-)

It doesn't help when they come out with delicious cherry M&M's.

After 3 bags, I had to cut myself off...

NO MORE CHERRY M&M'S for this girl!!!

Good thing for kids lunches and for friends that help

eat all the goodies that I feel the need to bake.

I would hate to give up baking

and bonding with my Kitchen Aid

just because I am trying to eat less sugary goodness.

Now where did I hide the last few M&M's???

White Chocolate Cherry M&M cookies

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 9 minutes

Ingredients (36 cookies)

1 c. butter, softened
3 oz. white chocolate, chopped
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. cherry juice
1 1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. white chocolate chips
cherry M&M's

Instructions

Place 4 Tbsp. butter and chopped white chocolate in a sauce pan over low heat. Stir until melted and creamy. Set aside to cool slightly.

Cream the rest of the butter and sugars. Beat in the cooled white chocolate mixture. Add the eggs and cherry juice and beat again.

Sift together the dry ingredients and slowly add to the butter mixture. Stir in the chips by hand. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes. (this helps the dough from spreading too much)

Drop by small spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Press 5-6 cherry m&m's into the top of the dough. Bake at 375* for 9 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Shared with: Sweet Party, Wow Me, This Chick Cooks, Show and Share, Sweet Treats, It's a Keeper

Tastetastic Thursday

Trick or Treat Tuesday!

2012-02-07T05:00:00.001-05:00

This past week seemed to just go by in a flash...

it might have been because we were super busy

with church and friends and the Super Bowl!

I am ready to relax a little this week...

maybe sit and mindlessly look through some

awesome links from you guys:-)

I look forward to seeing all the great things

you share on Trick or Treat Tuesday.

I am all about pink and red fun this week.

My picks for the

FAB 5

definitely show a heart day trend!

(make sure you girls grab a featured button:-)

These cute VALENTINE TOWELS came from the Target $ Spot.

I love how A Pumpkin and a Princess added the fun ruffle and heart!

So cute to dress up the oven!!!

This amazing OREO CRUST HEART MUNCH from Crazy for Crust

stole my heart this week. I need a huge bowlful like now!!!

I love these cute corny BOMB VALENTINES

from Making Memories! Boom Dynamite!!!

RED VELVET WHITE CHOCOLATE POPCORN

from Something Swanky...this is pure genius!!!!

These CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY DONUTS from

Crumbs and Chaos are gorgeous...and I bet they

taste out of this world!!!!

Ok, get ready to link up some

CRAFTS, PROJECTS, and of course RECIPES!!!!

I can't wait to see all the fun things you have made this week.

Just remember: No etsy shops or giveaways.

And a link back is always appreciated...but not necessary.

You can grab the button under the button tab or use a text link:-)

Pink Velvet Macaroons

2012-02-06T09:06:00.014-05:00

A few months ago I saw Red Velvet Macaroons

in the bakery section at Walmart.

They sounded so good, BUT...

there are just some things that I won't buy

because I know that I can make them at home cheaper!!!

I added them to my Christmas cookie list,

but sadly I never got around to making them.

A few weeks ago I found them on my list and decided

to make them with a slight change.

With Valentines Day coming up soon,

Pink Velvet macaroons seemed like the best choice.

Have you seen the new Kraft marshmallow bits???

They are just like the little mini marshmallows

that come in hot chocolate packets.

I found mine at Target and thought

they would be the perfect addition to the macaroons.

They turned out so delicious and

slightly chewy from the melted marshmallows.

Definitely going to be making them again very soon!!!

Do you have a go-to cookie that you will be making for your Valentine?

Pink Velvet Macaroons

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 egg whites
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
3 c. coconut
1 c. marshmallow bits
1/4 c. flour
4 tsp. cocoa powder
1/8 tsp. salt
pink food coloring
1/4 c. white chocolate chips, melted
sprinkles

Instructions

Beat egg whites, sugar, and vanilla on high until stiff peaks form. Fold in the coconut, marshmallow bits, cocoa powder, flour and salt. Add just a little bit of pink food coloring and stir in gently.

Scoop large spoonfuls onto a non stick baking sheet. Bake 23-25 minutes at 325*. Cool on a wire rack. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and add sprinkles. Makes about 18.

Shared with: Making You Crave, Mingle Monday, Melt in Your Mouth, Chocolate Love

Talent Show, Tasty Tuesday, Crazy Sweets, Naptime Creations, Get Your Craft On

Guacamole Hummus with Football Chips

2012-02-03T06:20:00.011-05:00

Something that I have been seeing a lot lately is hummus.

Honestly...for the longest time I really didn't know what it was.

But everyone seemed to be eating it...

so I decided to get cool and join the in crowd:-)

Turns out hummus is just smashed chickpeas.

Who knew?

I love chickpeas!!!!

In fact, in college I used to buy them

and just eat them from the can for a snack!

They are still to this day one of my favorite snacks!!!

Knowing this, I knew I would love hummus!!!

I decided to create a slight variation of hummus

using some things that I had in my fridge and cupboard.

(let's pretend like the garlic & lime juice is in the picture, oh and another avocado)

Welcome my new favorite dip...

Guacamole Hummus!

The beans gave the guac a slight different taste and texture.

Apparently I liked it...a whole lot

because I almost ate the entire bowlful.

Pig out much???

If you like Guacamole and Hummus...

I totally recommend you make a big bowl of this goodness

to share with all your football loving friends.

But you might want to double it,

because once you start on it...

there is no turning back:-)

And because it is Super Bowl weekend,

go ahead and make baked football tortilla chips.

They are super easy to do...

and your friends (or kids) will totally think you are the coolest!

You really can do any shape you want....

but this weekend is all about the football.

So here we go.

1. Start with a 3 inch round metal cookie cutter.

2. Pinch the ends together.

3. Pull the sides out slightly until it resembles a football.

4. Press cookie cutter into tortillas firmly.

5. Place footballs on a baking sheet.

6. Spray lightly with nonstick spray & sprinkle with sea salt.

7. Bake at 400* for 8 minutes.

The chips will continue to crisp up as they cool on a wire rack.

Don't you just want to dive head first into that bowl?

Guacamole Hummus

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dip

2 ripe avocados
1 can garbanzo beans, drained
1/2 c. green onions, chopped
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilies
2 Tbsp. lime juice
1/2 c. cilantro, chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper

For the Chips

flour tortillas shells
non stick spray
sea salt

Instructions

For the Dip

Place avocados on a plate and smash with a fork. Stir in the lime juice. On another plate, smash the beans with the oil and garlic until smooth. In a bowl, combine the avocado, beans, onions, tomatoes, chilies, cilantro, salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Refrigerate leftovers.

For the Chips

Cut tortillas into desired shape. Spread out on a baking sheet. Spray lightly with non stick spray and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake at 400* for 8 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Shared with:

I'm Lovin It, Friday Flair, Feature Friday, Weekend Potluck, Fusion Friday, Serenity Now

Anything Goes

Salted Caramel Coffee Chip Cheesecakes

2012-02-01T08:21:00.012-05:00

Have you ever done something really dumb?

Like put your purse in the shopping cart...

and then walk away to look at clothes?

Not just away where you can still see the cart...

but away through the clothes almost to the other side.

Yea, that was my "dumb" moment yesterday.

My daughter and I were looking at girly clothes...

and I completely forgot that I had put my purse

on the seat of the cart.

Did I realize that it wasn't on my shoulder???

No.

Not until I wandered slowly back to the cart.

It was only a few minutes, but still...

God was watching out for us,

because everything was still in there when I got back.

It sure was enough to make me feel sick for a while:-(

Maybe it is all the sugar that I have on the brain

that is making me be so forgetful!

One thing I won't be forgetting soon,

is how yummy these coffee chip cheesecakes were.

Especially since they were topped with a salted caramel topping.

I am still all about a good salted caramel treat.

These would be great little treats to have on hand

for a super bowl party this weekend.

You could even top them with a football shaped oreo cookie

instead of the pretzel...just sayin'.

Salted Caramel Coffee Chip Cheesecakes

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients (12-14 cheesecakes)

2 (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. flour
1/4 c. sour cream
2 Tbsp. instant coffee
1 Tbsp. hot water
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. mini chocolate chips
1 c. dipping caramel (for apples)
1-2 Tbsp. sea salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350* Dissolve instant coffee in hot water and vanilla. Set aside.

Beat cream cheese until creamy. Add sugar, flour, sour cream, and coffee water and beat again. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in chocolate chips by hand. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake 22 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Refrigerate until chilled through.

Heat dipping caramel until easily stirred. Stir in sea salt to taste. Top each cheesecake with 1 Tbsp. caramel. Garnish and serve with cool whip and extra mini chips. Top with pretzels right before serving. Keep refrigerated. Makes 12-14.

Shared with:

Sweet Party, This Chick Cooks, Sweet Treats, Tastetastic Thursday, Catch a Glimpse

It's a Keeper, Everybody's Creative Endeavor, Chic and Crafty, Sweet Tooth, BFF Open House

Trick or Treat Tuesday!

2012-01-31T05:10:00.000-05:00

Wow!!!

Can you believe this is the last Tuesday of January already?

This year is flying by...

and Spring will be here before we know it.

You guys continue to amaze me

with all the fun that you share each Tuesday!!!

I appreciate you stopping by and linking up...

it is fun to look through the links and see your talent.

Let's get the party started by showing off

THE FAB 5 FEATURES!!!

Blonde brownies have a special place in my heart...

and stomach:-)

I can't wait to try these yummy

VALENTINE SAMOA BLONDIES

from Six Sister's Stuff!

This RUFFLE CAKE is seriously amazing.

Thanks to The Weekly Sweet Experiment, I now

have a huge desire to make a cake tower...just so

I can try out the ruffles:-)

I am always on the lookout for yummy breakfast ideas...

this FRUIT STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

looks awesome!

Thank you A Pocket Full of Buttons for this delicious breakfast!

I love the Target $1 spot and I love how

Talented Terrace Girls embellished these fun

VALENTINE MAILBOXES!!!

The messages they give each other will be priceless!

And because it is Super Bowl week...I had to include

something football related:-)

This FOOTBALL PARTY

from A Pumpkin and a Princess is just perfect

for any parties you have planned for Sunday afternoon!!!

Ok, get ready to link up some

CRAFTS, PROJECTS, and of course RECIPES!!!!

I can't wait to see all the fun things you have made this week.

Just remember: No etsy shops or giveaways.

And a link back is always appreciated...but not necessary.

You can grab the button under the button tab or use a text link:-)

Carrot Cake Donuts

2012-01-29T16:21:00.017-05:00

Carrot cake is one of my favorite cakes of all time.

It makes me feel like I am eating a healthy dessert because:

A. there are carrots in it

B. there is pineapple in it

Last time I checked, carrots and pineapple are still healthy foods...

that makes these carrot cake DONUTS healthy:-)

YEA! A yummy healthy breakfast coming right up.

Ok, fine.

You got me.

These donuts I made aren't really healthy at all.

But they do have carrots, pineapple, AND yogurt in them,

so they can't be all THAT bad for you.

"Veggies are a must on a diet.

I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie" Jim Davis

I love this quote...

it is now my life motto:-)

Power to the VEGGIES!!!

Carrot Cake Donuts

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients (18 donuts)

For the Donuts

1/2 c. butter
1 egg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2/3 c. brown sugar
2/3 c. vanilla yogurt
2/3 c. crushed pineapple, drained (save juice)
2/3 c. shredded carrots
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour

For the Frosting

4 oz. cream cheese
4 tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. pineapple juice
3/4 c. powdered sugar
chopped walnuts

Instructions

For the Donuts

Cream butter, sugar and salt. Add the egg, vanilla and yogurt and beat until smooth. Stir in the pineapple and carrots.

Sift the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda and baking powder. Slowly beat into the butter mixture.

Fill a bag with the donut mixture and snip a corner off. Squeeze into donut pan cavities filling 1/2 full. Bake at 375* for 10 minutes. Cool a few minutes in the pan and remove to wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting

While the donuts are cooling, beat the cream cheese, butter and pineapple juice. Slowly add the powdered sugar until smooth. Dip the cooled donuts in frosting and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Shared with: Mingle Monday, Makin' You Crave, Manic Monday, Mix it Up, Melt in Your Mouth

Tasty Tuesday, A Little Birdie Told Me, Sweet Tuesday, Friday Flair

Toffee Mocha Cupcakes

2012-01-27T09:04:00.015-05:00

It's chocolate cake day!

It's chocolate cake day!!

It's chocolate cake day!!!

Hey, did you know it's chocolate cake day? :-)

Not that I really need a "unique" holiday

to celebrate with chocolate cake.

But I will take the holiday just the same.

I actually made these mocha cupcakes a few months ago

for a friend's birthday...

Can you believe that I have been holding out on you???

I have had this amazing cupcake just sitting on my computer

waiting to be shared with you, my fabulous readers.

I was just...uuummm...waiting for the right day...

like chocolate cake day:-)

Or something like that!

You believe me right?

Because I would never intentionally hold something

so absolutely delicious back from you...

really I did just forget to post them here.

Want to know something else?

These cupcakes are NOT the only ones that have been forgotten...

I found some other ones I made for a baby shower months ago.

Yup, you read that right...months ago!!!

I haven't shared those either.

I should be fired as a food blogger:-)

Baking such deliciousness and forgetting about them so quickly!

Or...I could just share these now and the other ones..

in a month or two:-)

Yes, sharing a yummy toffee mocha cupcake

today would make you so happy, right?

Then there would be no need to fire me.

Win win for both of us today!!!

That is until you make and eat all these,

then your thighs won't be very happy with me either.

And you will be back to wanting to fire me...

it might be best if you do some cupcake sharing too!

I want to keep the job of food blogger for a little bit longer:-)

And if you are still in the mood for chocolate cake

you need to check out this

Chocolate on Chocolate cake from Shugary Sweets:-)

Toffee Mocha Cupcakes

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 chocolate cake mix
3 tbsp. instant coffee
1 c. toffee bits

For the Frosting

1 c. butter
1 c. shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
1/8 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. toffee nut coffee creamer
8 c. powdered sugar
1/3 c. chocolate chips, melted
extra toffee bits

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350*

Dissolve coffee in water that is called for on cake box. Mix up batter according to directions. Stir in toffee bits after mixing.

Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake 20-22 minutes or until the top springs back. Cool on wire rack.

Beat butter, shortening, vanilla, salt, and creamer until creamy. Slowly add sugar. Add 1 more Tbsp. creamer to thin it out if needed. Drizzle with melted chocolate chips. Sprinkle with extra bits.

Shared with: Sweet Tooth Friday, Feature Friday, I'm Lovin It, Weekend Potluck, Weekend Show Off

Tickled Pink, Free for All, Sweets for a Saturday, Seasonal Inspiration, Strut Your Stuff, A Little Inspiration

Oreo Butterscotch Coconut Blondies

2012-01-25T06:00:00.009-05:00

So my sugar cravings got the best of me last week...

I had to have a blonde brownie.

And it had to be right away!!

You are going to love these!

As long as you like coconut that is...

and if not, well, we can still be friends:-)

But back to the amazing blondie...

they are stuffed to the brim with yumminess.

Blonde brownie...check.

Chocolate chips...check.

Coconut...check.

Butterscotch chips...check

Golden Oreos...check.

Pretty much everything needed to induce a sugar coma...

or maybe even a couple of cavities.

Probably both!!!

But it sure helped satisfy my need for sugar in a hurry.

It was a really good thing I sent most of these

right out the door that night.

There was a good chance I would have eaten more

than is perfectly healthy:-)

What are you still doing here???

Get in the kitchen and start baking a batch:-)

And if you really don't like coconut...

leave it out...they will still taste awesome!!!

Oreo Butterscotch Coconut Blondies

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs
2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. shredded coconut
2 c. butterscotch chips
1/2 c. chocolate chips
20 blonde oreos, broken into quarters

Instructions

Cream the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until fluffy.

Sift the dry ingredients together and slowly incorporate into the butter mixture. Stir in the coconut and chips by hand. The dough will be thick.

Spread 1/2 the batter in a greased 9x13 pan. Top with broken oreo cookies. Drop the rest of the dough into chunks on top of the cookies. Gently press the dough together. There will be some gaps, but that is ok since you want to see some of the cookie.

Bake at 350* for 25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Shared with: Sweet Party, This Chick Cooks, Cast Party, It's a Keeper, Sweet Treats, Tastetastic Thursday

Friday Flair

Trick or Treat Tuesday!

2012-01-24T05:00:00.005-05:00

Did you wonder where you were

when you first got here today???

I am so excited about my new blog design

from Ashton at Something Swanky!!!

She just started up an etsy shop

Something Swanky Designs

doing fun blog designs,

and she is SO wonderful to work with.

She didn't laugh at me (too much)

when I would ask computer questions

or how to do something.

I think she completely captured me in

her design of BruCrew Life.

What do you all think???

Please head her way if you need

your blog refreshed.

She will do an amazing job!!!

But enough of my gushing...

let's recap last weeks link up!

What a great week of amazing links!

I had so much fun clicking

through all of your fun tricks and treats!

You guys sure know how to party:-)

Thank you for making

Trick or Treat Tuesday a great success!!!

The FAB 5 FEATURES are...

I can't get these CHOCOLATE LOLLIPOPS

from Pint Sized Baker out of my head!!!

Such an easy way to use up leftover chocolate and goodies!!!

Now I would have no problem going out in the snow

if I knew I was coming in to FLUFFED HOT CHOCOLATE.

Bakeaholic Mama has the perfect "Adults Only" drink for snowy days!

I have been addicted to making donuts lately. I am thinking

that these RED VELVET DONUTS from Crumbs and Chaos

would be a perfect Valentine's breakfast.

Look how nice and organized this FABRIC STORAGE

from The Scrap Shoppe is. I love how you can easily see

each pattern. I think my bins of fabric need this idea!

Do you need yummy cupcake to wow your honey for Valentines?

I think this STRAWBERRY CHAMPAGNE cupcake

from Shaken Together would be the perfect end to dinner !!!

Time to show me all

your recipes, your projects, your crafts...

I want to see it ALL!!!!

But remember: NO etsy shops or giveaways:-)

And a link back is always appreciated.

You can use the button from the top tab or use a text link...

I'm not picky!!!