Peanut Butter Bars with Salted Chocolate Ganache

This recipe comes from Nancy at foodnetwork.com

It's an easy recipe to make and yields 16 squares.

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray, for baking dish

1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar 

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 

1 cup creamy peanut butter 

Kosher salt 

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted 

8 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, chopped into small pieces 

1 cup heavy cream 

1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, optional

Directions

1. Coat the bottom and sides of an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, stir to combine the confectioners' sugar, graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish and set aside.
3. Place the chocolate and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until bubbles start to form around the edges. Pour the cream over the chocolate, let sit for 1 minute and then whisk until completely melted and smooth.
4. Pour the ganache over the peanut butter mixture and refrigerate until the chocolate is cooled and set, at least 45 minutes and up to overnight.
5. Sprinkle evenly with the flaky sea salt. Cut into squares to serve.
   
   
   
    

Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

I had these cookies at a party and they were mouth watering, to be sure.

INGREDIENTS

1 Cup unsalted butter
2 Cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 Cup dark brown sugar0, packed
1/2 Cup granulated sugar
1tbsp molasses
2 large eggs
2 tsp; vanilla extract
1 1/2 Cups dark chocolate (chips or chopped) + more for topping
1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped = more for topping
Flakey Sea Salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. First, brown the butter. Add 1 cup of butter to a saucepan over medium heat.  Melt and continue to stir until it turns a rich amber color and gives off a nutty scent.

2. Pour into a large mixing bow, (make sure to scrape in the browned bits at the bottom of the pot.) and set aside to cool.

3. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  Set aside.

4. Once the brown butter is no longer hot add the brown sugar, sugar, and molasses to the bowl.  Whisk to combine.  You can either do so by hand or with an electric mixer.  it should resemble the texture of a slushy.

5. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla until fully combined.

6. Pour in all of the dry ingredients and mix to incorporate.  Switch to a rubber spatula to fold in the ingredients once the dough starts to thicken.

7. Fold in the dark chocolate and pecans.  At this point, the dough should be sticky and be able to hold its shape when scooped.  If it's too thin, place it in the refrigerator uncovered for about 30 minutes to cool.

8. But if its already at the right consistency, scoop out the cookie dough using a 2 oz. scoop or a 1/4 measuring cup.  Place the scoops side by side on a plate or small baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper.

9. Place extra chocolate chips and pecans on top of each cookie and chill for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.

10. When ready, place 5-6 large cookies on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees for 13 - 15 minutes.  If your cookies are smaller than 2 oz., bake for 10 - 12 minutes.  The cookies are ready when the edges are golden and the middle looks puffed, pale, and a bit underdone.

11. When they are hot from the oven, sprinkle the tops with a bit of sea salt and transfer to a cooling rack.  If the cookies are too soft to move, let them sit on the cookie sheet for about 5 minutes and then try again.

12. Bake the remaining cookie dough and dig in!

This recipe comes from butternut bakery blog 

Saltine Toffee Candy with Pecans

I do love desserts, but I rarely make sweets because I tend to eat it all myself.  This is a very easy recipe that everyone loves.  It also makes for great gifts at the holidays.   So that is my plan, I will make some for Thanksgiving and then make more as gifts for Christmas. I know your friends and family will enjoy this recipe also!   ~Shelly

This recipe comes from The Brown Eyed Baker.  Sweet.Savory.Sinful

This was an incredibly easy recipe and I imagine it would be very simple to scale it up and make multiple pans at once if you are baking for the holidays.

First a baking pan is lined with saltine crackers, then butter and brown sugar are melted together and boiled. That gets poured over top of the saltines in an even layer and then baked in the oven until bubbly. Out of the oven, chocolate chips are sprinkled on top and left to soften, then spread evenly over top. Finally, chopped pecans are added as the finishing touch before it gets shipped off to the refrigerator for an hour to set.

I love how the saltine crackers add a salty kick to counter the sweetness of the toffee and chocolate. I’m a huge sucker for the sweet and salty combo and this candy absolutely delivers. If you’re new to candy making or intimidated by using a thermometer, this is a great beginner recipe.

I just may have to start a new toffee tradition of my own come holiday time!

ENJOY!

Ingredients:

30 to 34 saltine crackers

1 cup salted butter, cut into small cubes

1 cup light brown sugar

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared pan. Break the crackers in half if necessary to fit around the edges.

3. Place the butter in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan and melt over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the brown sugar and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and immediately pour evenly over the saltine crackers. Use an offset spatula to spread it, ensuring that all of the crackers are coated.

4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until bubbling. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the mixture. Allow the chocolate chips to soften for 3 to 5 minutes, then use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate into an even layer. Sprinkle with the chopped pecans.

5. Cool at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the pan is able to be handled easily, then refrigerate for 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

(Recipe adapted from Taste of Home)

Easy Cream Cheese Truffles

Super easy, no bake, cream cheese truffles are rich, decadent and bite sized.
Truffles make the perfect gift or dessert to bring to a party.  Also the perfec t snack when you're craving something sweet.  This recipe makes 8 truffles and can easily be doubled or tripled.

Ingredients

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chocolate
4 ounces cream cheese softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/8 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Optional Toppings

powdered sugar
unsweetened cocoa powder
shredded coconut
melted chocolate
chopped pecans or walnuts
Crushed Oreo Cookies
dipped in melted chocolate and peanut butter
Dipped in melted chocolate + coconut oil. This creates a candy shell and is so good!

How to make Easy Cream Cheese Truffles

1. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl in 30 seconds increments until fully melted.
2. Add melted chocolate and cream cheese to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Mix until combined and smooth.
3. Slowly mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour to chill.
4. Roll into 8 truffles and top with your favorite toppings.
5. For powdered sugar, cocoa powder and shredded coconut. Simply place them each in small bowls and roll one truffle at a time in the mixture to coat.
6. For chocolate covered with pecans, melt chocolate in the microwave (you may have to thin it out with cream or milk). Roll the truffles in the melted chocolate and then roll in the pecans.
7. Store the truffles in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Chocolate, Coconut Energy Bites

This recipe came to me via my mother.

These naturally sweetened Chocolate Coconut Energy Bites are a great snack to help you power through the afternoon. Full of good for you foods like chia seeds and flaxseed meal, they’re a healthier and delicious option.

Ingredients

1 Cup oats
1/2 Cup toasted unsweetened coconut
1/4 Cup cocoa powder
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1/2 Cup flaxseed meal
1/3 Cup raw honey
1/2 Cup coconut butter, softened  *
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together oats, coconut, cocoa powder, chia seeds and flaxseed meal.
2. In a separate bowl, stir together honey, softened coconut butter, vanilla extract and melted coconut oil. Pour over the oat mixture and mix well to completely combine. If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more honey. The mixture will be too soft to roll into balls.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes and then roll into 24 balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. The mixture may be a bit crumbly so pressing them into balls might work better than rolling. I found that rolling them would cause them to crumble but pressing and forming them worked well. They will harden up and keep their shape when refrigerated.

Notes

Store in the refrigerator for 7-10 days or freeze.

* How to make Coconut Butter

FROM

What the fork food blog

Strawberry & Chocolate Icebox Cake

 

1 (14.4-ounce) box chocolate graham crackers
1 (16-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 cup seedless strawberry preserves or jam, slightly melted
1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced thin, with 6 to 8 whole strawberries reserved for garnish
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

 
DIRECTIONS

Line the bottom of an un-greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish with 1/3 of graham crackers.

In a large bowl, combine Whipped topping and strawberry preserves until well mixed.

Spread 1/3 of Strawberry cream mixture over graham crackers.  Place 1/2 of the strawberry slices on top.  Repeat layers 2 more times, ending with strawberry cream.  Drizzle with chocolate and garnish with whole strawberries.  Refrigerate until chilled.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

Ingredients

• 10 oz. jar maraschino cherries
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3 Tbsp. reserved cherry juice
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

How to make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Drain the jar of cherries, but make sure to reserve 3 tablespoons of the juice.  Chop the cherries and set aside.
2. Cream butter and shortening, add sugars and beat until fluffy.
3. Add vanilla, cherry juice and eggs.  Mix well.
4. Add flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda.  Mix until combined.
5. Add chopped cherries and chocolate chips, mix until combined.
6. Drop onto an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake 8-10 minutes at 350°, or until the edges begin to brown slightly.  Cool on baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

FROM:  ButterWith A Side Of Bread.com

Easiest Ever Ice Cream Cake

 I have not tried this recipe yet, but I know that I will.  ~~Shelly

It comes from the blog:  A Beautiful Mess.

You'll need:
a baking pan,
wax paper
ice cream sandwiches (I used around 10 for this square pan)
ice cream for the filling (I used chocolate)
chocolate chips or frosting for the top
5-10 cookies,  (Oreo cookies are great)
and sprinkles. (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Line your baking pan with wax paper, this will allow you to easily remove your cake once it sets.  Fill the bottom layer with ice cream sandwiches.  You may need to cut a few into smaller pieces to fill out the edges of the pan.

Next add a layer of ice cream. You don't have to get the ice cream perfectly smooth. You actually want to work quickly here as you don't want all the ice cream to melt as you work. Then top the layer of ice cream with another layer of ice cream sandwiches.

Cover your cake and pop it back into the freezer.  Chop up whatever cookies you choose.  I highly recommend birthday cake Oreos.  If you are using melted chocolate, go ahead and melt the chocolate and have it ready.

Now top the cake with the melted chocolate and toss on the cookie pieces and sprinkles.
Cover and place the cake back in the freezer.  Once set, you are ready to serve!

VARIATION
Add a peanut butter layer by mixing up some Nutella & PB and smearing it between layers.

Best Fudgiest Brownies

Perfect crisp crackly top, super fudgy center, chewy and gooey in all the right places, studded with melted chunks of chocolate!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar
• 1 cup  packed light brown sugar
• 4  large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup good quality, unsweetened cocoa powder
• 7 oz roughly chopped chocolate or large chocolate chips

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 175°C | 350°F.
• Lightly grease an 8x12-inch baking pan* with cooking oil spray. Line with parchment paper (or baking paper); set aside.
• Combine melted butter, oil and sugars together in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk well to combine. Add the eggs and vanilla; beat until lighter in color (another minute).
• Sift in flour, cocoa powder and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until JUST combined (do NOT over beat as doing so well affect the texture of your brownies).
• Fold in 3/4 of the chocolate pieces.
• Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top out evenly, and top with remaining chocolate pieces.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes for just under-done brownies (fudgier texture) or until the center of the brownies no longer jiggles and is JUST set to the touch.
  OR 35-40 minutes if you like your brownies well set and firm.NOTE: Brownies will continue baking and set in the hot pan out of the oven. If testing with a toothpick, the toothpick should come out dirty for fudge-textured brownies.
• After 15-20 minutes, carefully remove them out of the pan and allow to cool to room temperature before slicing into 16 brownies. They set while they cool.
  
  ENJOY!

OPTIONAL ADD INS:

• Crushed walnuts, peanuts, almonds, pecans, etc. Chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, shredded coconut, dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, etc)

STORING:

• Store at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerator for up to 5 days. These brownies can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving OR reheat in the microwave.

Notes

*For thicker brownies, bake in a 7x11-inch pan for 40-45 minutes. For thinner brownies, bake in a 9x13-inch pan for 18-20 minutes.

PLEASE NOTE: An 8x12-inch pan bakes the most perfect brownies -- thickness and texture.

TIPS AND TRICKS:

1. Do NOT over beat your batter once the flour and cocoa powder are added. That creates air pockets in the batter which will give you cake-like textured brownies.
2. Please try not to over bake them. Set a timer if you need too. I like mine at exactly 23 minutes in an 8x12-inch pan. You can go a little bit over if you like them set a bit more, but I don't recommend it if you're looking for the fudgiest brownies in the world. Remember, they will continue to bake slightly in the hot pan once pulled out of the oven,
3. I bake my brownies on the top shelf in the oven. I find the middle shelf cooks them a lot faster, slightly burns them on the top and dries them out.

From Karina at Cafe Delites