Peanut Butter Candy Bars

Got basic pantry items?

Then you can make-your-own candy bar and have a super sweet treat!

These should have been cut in half-of-what-you-see size (and perhaps a larger pan so they wouldn't be quite as thick)...but....

Kemmie cut them, and teenage boys see things -differently.

You know- sorta like when he looks at his hair and thinks "cool" and I look at his hair and think "h a i r c u t!"

I looked and tasted these bars and thought "bite size" and he looked at them and thought "man size!"

Oh well- at least we see eye to eye on how yummy they are! :)

Peanut Butter Candy Bars

1 2/3 graham cracker crumbs*

3 cups powdered sugar 

1 cup peanut butter

3/4 cup melted butter

1 cup chocolate chips

Mix crumbs, sugar, and peanut putter. Pour melted butter over mixture and stir well. 

Press into sprayed or buttered baking pan.**

Melt chocolate chips and spread over peanut butter mixture. 

Cool completely before slicing.

*Keep it more frugal and make your own crumbs from graham crackers!

**I used an 8x8 but should have used an 9x9 or 9x10.

You can also cool them in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes.

Gen 43:11  ... take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds...

Cocoa Powder Brownies/Recipe for Pantry Brownie Mix

 I've been pretty good about keeping my sweet tooth (uhm, that would be teeth, certainly plural) in check but sometimes chocolate, in the form of brownies, is ...well....healing therapy!

This recipe makes a 9x13 or 12 muffin-sized brownies.

You can also premix all of the dry ingredients and store in jars or bags in your pantry for your own, frugal brownie mix!

Great convenience food! 

(Isn't anytime a convenient time to eat brownies?.. Is it a little too late to try to convince you that I really made these for the kids?)

1 cup of all purpose flour

2/3 cup cocoa powder

1/2 t baking powder

1/2 t salt

2 cups sugar

1 cup oil

4 eggs

1 t vanilla

*opt: 1/2 cup walnuts + 1/2 cup chocolate chips 

(the more chocolate the merrier!)

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Make a well in the center for wet ingredients and gradually blend into the flour mixture. (If using the nuts and choc chips, add them to the dry ingredients first.)

Spread in sprayed 9x13 or muffin tins. 

Bake at 350 for 22 to 25 minutes.

*************

Psa 119:103  How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Crispy Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

These are a great snack, with a good serving of protein, no added sugar, and lightly sweetened with honey.

You can also make them in minutes, as they're no-bake!

(My gluten-free friends, this might even be something you could use!)

1 cup natural crunchy peanut butter

1/3 cup honey

2 cups crisp rice cereal (like rice crispies)

1/3 cup cocoa

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Separate 2T of cocoa and sprinkle across a small plate.

Mix honey, peanut butter, and remaining cocoa.

Gently stir in crisp rice.

Roll into balls, then in the cocoa on the plate.

Place on tray or cookie sheet.

Place chocolate chips in small sandwich bag and microwave for 10 seconds at a time until all are melted.

 Drizzle over truffles.

Chill, if you like, to set the chocolate.

Makes about 3 dozen.
*Note: These are NOT a super sweet treat. They are mildly sweet, so you may wish to add more sugar or even honey.

This post is linked to:Natural Mother's Network

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies

Cream together:

2 sticks of butter

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 t vanilla

Blend in:

1/2 t salt

2 t baking soda

3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Lastly, work in:

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Spread on buttered, lipped 12x17 cookie sheet.

Bake for 25 minutes, until golden brown.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This post is linked to -Show and Tell Saturday
Young and Crafty

Whole Wheat Double Chocolate Muffins

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup cocoa
2 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
1 1/2 cup buttermilk or kefir
1/4 cup oil
1 egg
1/2 cup cane sugar*

1/3 cup chocolate chips (or more)

Mix dry ingredients. Then wet, just until blended. Fold in chocolate chips last.

Bake at 375 15  minutes.

*These are mildly sweet, like plain cake. You may want to add 1/4 cup more sugar or so. 

 Isa 40:8  The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Chocolate Granola

5 cups quick oats

1/2 cup cocoa

3/4 cup honey

1/2 cup butter 

1 t vanilla 

1/4 brown sugar

1/2 t salt

Mix oats, salt, and cocoa in large bowl. At low temp, melt butter. Remove from heat and stir in; honey, vanilla, and brown sugar. Pour over oat mixture and stir until coated. Spread on buttered baking sheet. Bake at 350 for approx. 25 minutes. Stir occasionally so the edges do not get too dark. Cool and store in an airtight container. 

Great with milk! 

It even turns your milk chocolatey :)

Also a great snack or topping for yogurt, ice cream, and even muffins!

Psa 34:8  O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

******************************************************************
This post is linked to: Tiny Tip Tuesday, 
Chef in Training,
Tip Junkie ,
NaturalMothersNetwork 
We Are That Family 
Somewhat Simple 
Thrifty 101

Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Rolls with Hot Fudge Sauce

You know a gal has serious chocolate-sugar addiction issues when she bakes things like this, don't you? Could I offer an excuse? See- I normally make homemade pizza on Friday nights- and I was out of cheese- so this was really an attempt (Scout's honor, and fingers crossed ;-) to appease my family! ...Perhaps you would have believed me if I hadn't used DARK cocoa in this recipe? ...But there is SOME truth to my 'excuse' for this recipe :-) Honest!

Dough:

2 cups lukewarm water

1 cup cane sugar

1/2 cup melted butter, 1 stick

1 tsp. salt

1 1/2 T yeast

2 eggs, well beaten

1/4 cup dark cocoa (can use regular)

8 cup soft whole wheat flour (approx)**

1 cup unbleached flour (approx)

Filling:

1/4 cup melted butter

1 1/2 cups brown sugar (approx)

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

(*opt. chopped nuts)

Mix water, yeast, salt, sugar, and butter. Mix in half of the wheat flour, cocoa, and the eggs. Continue to add wheat flour gradually. 

Use the unbleached flour to knead dough by hand until it is pliable. 

Roll out half of the dough at a time in a large rectangle.

Spread melted butter over the dough, along with the brown sugar and chocolate chips. Roll up, longways. Slice. (I prefer to slice with dental floss for a nice clean cut.)

Place in 9x13 sprayed dish.

(This will make 2 to 2 1/2 pans of rolls.)

Allow to rise until doubled.

Bake at 350 for approx.  24 minutes.

Dh asked for a nut on his :)

Hot Fudge Sauce

1 cup sugar

2 T plain flour

1/3 cup (dark) cocoa

1 cup milk

3 T butter

2t vanilla

Pour milk, butter, and vanilla into a small pot and heat until the butter is melted.

In a bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together and add to milk mixture. Whisk until smooth.

Heat to a boil, whisking constantly. Boil for 3 minutes until thickened. 

Drizzle over baked rolls.

*Can double and store in the refrigerator to use later for ice cream!

*You can freeze these and thaw for single serve. I think I'll hide myself a few in the freezer :) 

**If you use regular whole wheat, I recommend using 1/2 unbleached or plain white flour to keep them from being too heavy.

Mississippi Mud Pie

If you're looking for chocolate, richness, and lots of sugar- this is your lucky day!

This dessert is super-sweet and perfect for a special occasion.

Even though it's called "pie", it is really more like a brownie-cake.

The texture of the cake itself will remind you of a Little Debbie Brownie. The icing is like the chocolate glaze on a doughnut. And- there's the hidden pecans and the marshmallows!

I'm not the biggest marshmallow fan, but I must admit, when they are gooey and covered in chocolate, I can more than tolerate them ;-)

(This recipe is not an original, it was passed down to me years ago and is quite popular here in the south.)

MISSISSIPPI MUD PIE

2 sticks of butter*

1/2 cup cocoa

2 cups sugar

4 eggs 

1 1/2 cups plain flour

pinch of salt

1 t vanilla

1 cup chopped nuts

Melt butter and cocoa over low heat (or in microwave). Add well-beaten eggs and sugar. Stir in flour, salt, vanilla, and nuts. Bake in sprayed 9X13 for 25 to 30 minutes at 325.

TOPPINGS

1/2 stick of butter

1/3 cup cocoa

4 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup milk

2 cups miniature marshmallows

Mix ingredients for the topping (except for marshmallows) and cook over low heat until the powdered sugar and butter are melted. Immediately upon removing pie from oven, cover with marshmallows. The pour on the topping.

I recommend allowing this to cool and 'set-up' before slicing.

*I used 1 1/2 sticks of butter.
***************************************************
This post is linked to 20BelowThursdays 
Catch a Glimpse Thursdays 
Somewhat Simple 
Thrifty 101

Chocolate Cheesecake Balls

 I love to come up with recipes for quick-fix desserts that I can prepare while supper is cooking, even if I only have minutes to spare.

1 8 oz package cream cheese at room temp

5 T butter at room temp

1/3 cup cane sugar (or white)

1/4 cup cocoa powder

5 large graham crackers, crumbed

Cream butter, cream cheese, and cane sugar until very smooth. Blend in cocoa powder. Drop by spoonfuls into the graham cracker crumbs and roll around until coated. Chill until set and thoroughly cold.

Linked to:
Chef In Training 
A Bowl Full of Lemons 
Today's Creative Blog 
What's Cooking Love

Homemade Brownies

Mix:
1 stick melted butter (1/2 cup)
1 ounce melted dark chocolate or baking square
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 t vanilla
Beat in:
3 eggs
Stir in:
1/2 t salt
1/2 t baking powder
1/2 cup cocoa
2/3 cup plain flour

Spread in sprayed 9X13 and top with walnuts if desired. Bake at 350 for approx 38 minutes.

Chocolate Oatmeal

Do your kids get tired of the same ole same ole? Mine too!

I've been trying to change up their oatmeal to keep life- um- entertaining!

NOTHING better than chocolate to do that...in my humble opinion :)

2 cups quick oats

5 cups water

3/4 cup brown sugar

3 T butter *opt

1 T coconut oil *opt

1/4 cup cocoa 

Bring water to a boil and add oats. Cook 1 minute and add remaining ingredients. Save leftovers for dessert for lunch!

Between Naps On the Porch

Polly Want A Crafter?

Works for Me Wednesday!

Raising Homemakers

Somewhat Simple

Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Cream together:
1 stick butter
1 cup cane (or white sugar)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 t vanilla

Beat in:
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup dark cocoa
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 1/4 cup plain flour
3 cups quick oats
1 cup dark chocolate chips (or more)
*opt 1 cup chopped pecans

Blend well and drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for approx. 10 minutes.

Cool on pan for several minutes.

*You can use regular cocoa and chips in these as well.  

This post is linked to:

Between Naps on the Porch 

A Bowl Full of Lemons

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Bars

These are yummy and moist. They set up better after they are completely cooled, but they're oh so hard to stay out of until then!

2 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 t salt

1/2 t baking soda

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup cane sugar (or white)

3/4 cup melted butter

2 eggs

1 1/2 t vanilla

1 cup chocolate chips

Mix dry ingredients together. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Drizzle and stir in melted butter just until blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Bake at 325 for 25 to 28 minutes until golden in sprayed 9X13. Allow to cool completely.

Chocolate-Cherry Rye-n-Wheat Muffins

These won the favor of my entire house- and they had NO idea that my little treats also had rye flour in them ;-)   Sneaky mission accomplished! 

(Not that they don't like rye, just that they THINK they HAVE to know what they're eating, and I just proved -they don't!  ;-)

I also make these similarly with other combinations of flour and things, so anything works! (1,  2, 3, 4)

 

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup rye flour

1 cup cane sugar (or white)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup melted butter (or other fat)

2 eggs

1 T baking powder

1/2 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

2 1/2 cups buttermilk

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped dried cherries(or other fruit)

opt. 24 maraschino cherries

extra brown sugar

Mix sugars, flours, soda, salt, and baking powder. Make a well in the center and blend in buttermilk and eggs. Drizzle melted butter in. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped cherries. Spoon into sprayed muffin tins.

Optional: push in one maraschino cherry in the center of each muffin and lightly sprinkle brown sugar on the top of each muffin batter. (This makes a light crunchy topping once they cool.) Bake at 375 for approx. 15 to 17 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving as the center cherries and melted chips are hot!

Makes 24 muffins.

Chocolate Cream

This is akin to ice cream, minus the ice! You do chill it but since it's not frozen, it makes a nice treat, even on these super cold days in winter!

It's also easy. And if you don't look at your nutritional information on your ingredients, you'll forget all the fat grams just as soon as you take a bite of it-- then you don't have to count them ;-)

 In a small saucepan heat;

1 cup half and half

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Stir until melted and well-blended and allow to cool.

In a mixing bowl, whip until stiff peaks form;

2 cups heavy cream

Sprinkle in and whisk;

2 T sifted, powdered sugar

Then gradually drizzle in the cooled chocolate mixture but be careful not to over whisk.

Chill and top with a bit of grated dark chocolate.

Oh SO yummy!
*****************
This post is linked to:
Sugar Bee Crafts 
Creating Beauty Out of Chaos 
Delightful Order 
The Shabby Creek 
Someday Crafts

Brown and White Muffins

Muffins solve a whole lot of problems for me! They're quick, they're sweet, and I can make quite a few in a short amount of time :-)

They are very good for breakfast but I LOVE to have them around for snacks. I can pack them with all sorts of things, like fruit and nuts, or just make them fun- like these!

(And shhh- if you'll notice- there's no oil! Nice chewy texture as a result.)

2 cups whole wheat flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1/2 t salt

1/2 t baking soda

1 cup cane sugar (or white)

1 t vanilla

2 eggs

2 cups kefir, buttermilk, or yogurt

1 cup white baking chips

Preheat oven to 400. Spray muffin tins with non-stick.

Mix flour, salt, baking soda, cocoa, and sugar. Blend in vanilla, eggs, and kefir (or other).

Fold in the chips right before pouring into muffin tins.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes being careful no to over bake.
**For best results, bake in cupcake papers. The white chips sometimes sink and stick to dark metal pans.

Devil's Food Cookies

These are the perfect quick cookie for the night you set up your Christmas tree!

We always have cookies with hot chocolate, hot herb tea, or milk the night we set up the tree.

1 box Devil's Food Cake
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil, butter, or other fat
Mix well. Drop by teaspoons on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for approx. 10-12 minutes.

Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips with 1 T butter. Mix well. Spoon into small sandwich baggie, twist top up, snip a tiny bit off of one corner, swirl on cooled cookies.

Top with Christmas sprinkles if you like!

Carob Bark Candy

1 cup carob
1/4 cup (dark here) cocoa powder
2/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup chopped almonds

Stir all ingredients together until well blended. Pour into lightly butter pie plate and place in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Cut and break up with a knife. Store in the refrigerator as it will melt in a warm room.

Black Bean Brownies

 2 cups black beans, mostly drained
1 1/2 cups cane sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder (dark here)
1 t vanilla
1/2 cup plain flour
3 eggs
1/4 t salt
4 T coconut oil, melted butter, or other fat

Mix well in food processor, blender, or with hand mixer.
Pour into sprayed deep dish pie plate or 9X9.
Bake at 350 for approx. 30 minutes.

Let cool before slicing. The beans are less noticeable when it has cooled.

This slices like a pumpkin pie. You may add a frosting if you like. It is noticeable that these are 'different' but they won't know quite what it is. ;-)

*******************
This post is linked to The Ultimate Beans and Rice Recipe List

Simple Glazed Mocha Cake

1/2 cup butter melted (but not hot)
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup strong coffee (cooled)
2 cups plain flour
3 t baking powder
1/4 t salt

Mix butter and sugars. Beat in eggs, then coffee. Add salt and baking powder, then flour. Beat with electric mixer for 2 minutes. Spread in sprayed 9X13. Bake at 350 for approx. 20 minutes. (use toothpick center-check)

While still warm spread with glaze.

Easy Glaze:
3 T melted butter
2 T cocoa powder (I used dark)
1/2 cup strong coffee
1/4 t salt
3 cups powdered sugar

Beat well with electric mixer, making sure all lumps are gone. Poke cake all over with a toothpick. Pour glaze all over, spreading to run down the sides and into the poked holes. Allow to cool before serving.