Archive for ‘Bars & Brownies’

February 19th, 2013

Chocolate Caramel Swirl Cracker Candy

Let’s talk. You and I…

I, like most of you, feel like I am always running, rushing, in a hurry to get somewhere, to do something.

Whether it’s rushing to work or trying to beat traffic, trying to get to the gym after work. Not to mention trying to get a parking spot at the gym, ugh. Then rushing to get the pup from doggy day camp (oh yes, I do) and running to the store because I realize I ran out of half & half (and no one in my house can live without it). I could go on and on…but the fact of the matter is, sometimes life can be so busy, so complicated.

Take a little time for yourself today and relax. Breath. Stop rushing, for even just an hour.

Make yourself a little snack. A snack that is delicious yet simple and although it may not be the cutest thing on pinterest, it tastes dang good and will be made over and over.

Cracker Candy Swirled with Chocolate & Caramel.

Crackers. Salty ones. Any salted cracker will do here. I think if I made this again, I’d use square shaped ones, aka saltines.

Melt Chocolate Candiquik and stir mixed nuts directly into the tray

Pour Candiquik mixture over the crackers and use a spatula to spread evenly across the top of the crackers…

Then I melted some caramel and swirled it over the top of the chocolate.

Sprinkle with a little sea salt if your heart desires. I found that it added just the right balance of sweet and salty.

Easy peasy.

Enjoy!

 

Linked to: Inside Bru Crew Life, Pint Sized Baker, Mrs. Happy Homemaker

November 20th, 2012

Cranberry Orange Pecan Bark

A lot of times I am asked, “What is the difference between CandiQuik and almond bark, candy melts, wafers, etc.?”.

Well, a lot! Truly. Candiquik is naturally flavored with all natural ingredients for one. Dos, Candiquik uses very fine sugar particles – this will come out in the taste. It will not give you that grainy texture, if you know what I’m talking about. Candiquik also uses more milk products & more cocoas – which also becomes very apparent in the taste. It tastes good…not like wax or something similar.  It also comes packaged in this nice little tray; simply remove the overwrap and melt. Forget cleaning melted chocolate out of a bowl!

*Okay, I’m done*.

If you like cranberries and orange, you will love this recipe – if you can even call it that.

It’s so easy to pull together and can literally be made in 15 minutes…that’s including prep time!

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November 14th, 2012

Top Copycat Candy Bar Recipes

What’s your favorite candy bar?

Is it a gooey Snickers bar, or how about a creamy, salty Payday? Maybe you’re the good ‘ole Three Musketeers kinda person? Butterfinger?!

Well, Hayley (from The Domestic Rebel blog) and I have got you covered with all of those and many, many more. Plus, a couple spinoffs of traditional candy bars. Can anyone say, Biscoff Kit Kat Bars?! True stuff…keep reading.

cop·y·cat. n. One that closely imitates or mimics another.

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September 17th, 2012

Homemade Twix Bars

 

Every year. Same story.

This is me: “I am absolutely not going to eat all that junk that I did last year around the holidays”… Or realistically anytime the temp drops below 60 (I’m a wimp) and all I want to do is eat bonbons and brownies… on the couch… in my PJ’s.

Then, every year, ugh. I just can’t resist.

And it’s not junk by the way. I can’t believe I said that.

It’s sugary goodness, party in your mouth, can’t-resist-it’s-so-freakin-good.

Totally worth it.

Better than Twix. Way better.

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August 6th, 2012

Chocolate Coconut Almond Granola Bars

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I truly dread saying this, but summer is winding down. (Insert sad face here)

Advertisements for the State Fair are in full force.

Target has an abundance of no. 2 pencils, 3 ring binders, and Justin Bieber folders. And has had them for several weeks now.

Plus, according to a random friend on Facebook, kids are back in school!? Well, some of them.

Let’s prepare with homemade granola bars. These would make a lunchbox that much more exciting or simply as a nice afternoon treat.

You can really create your own concoction here. I’ve decided to combine chocolate (surprised?), sliced almonds, and flaked coconut in these. It was a superb decision.

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July 26th, 2012

Cookie Confetti Bars

Are you ready for this….I made you cookie bars.

But I feel guilty.

You might be mad and/or disappointed in me … I used packaged cookies.

You know, those pre-made ones that are sold in your grocer’s refrigerated section that are made for lazy busy people?!

Like me or not, I did it. And then I jazzed it up.

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June 11th, 2012

7-Layers of Heaven…Bars (Gluten Free)

 

Sweetened condensed milk – this stuff is amazing. In coffee, in cakes (mmm, tres leches) and in these bars, never disappoints.

Coconut – toasted coconut, or really any form of coconut, I’m in love.

5 other layers of creamy, crunchy, sweet goodness – who wouldn’t love these bars!?

These bars will definitely impress and they pack a fairly rich taste. Friends who are on a gluten free diet will worship you for making these.

Here’s how I like to eat them….Step 1: cut a little tiny square off (because that’s ALL I will have). 2. Think to myself “man, that was really good, lemme just cut another little square…then I’m done”. Repeat step 1.

You have to keep these bars away from me. I apparently have no self control with certain desserts…ugh.

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March 28th, 2012

Homemade Ooey Gooey Snickers Bars

I amaze myself, I really do.

And not in a overly confident kind of amaze.

I am seriously surprised that I pull off some of the treats I make. Like these adorable bunnies and lil’ chicks for example.

Anyone that really knows me, knows that I am not always the most graceful person.

I have been known to pour chocolate candiquik all over white pants, vanilla all over black pants, you get the drift…

The good news is, these bars do not require tedious decorating, drawing on cute little facesor any crazy assembly, nada.

If you can make almond bark, you totally got this.

There is no excuse in the world not to make these.

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March 18th, 2012

Coconut Macaroon Easter Egg Nests

Before we get to the good stuff I wanted to show you a little somethin’…

This is what I came in to work to find on my desk:

The Wall Street Journal. An article on, “How Colleagues Make You Fat“. A sticky note pointing to said article with the words, “with cake balls” written on it.

Haters.

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December 2nd, 2011

Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars

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I am begging you to make these.

You’re simply missing out if you don’t.

These were heavenly. Decadent. Outstanding.

I stumbled across them on Recipe Girl’s blog…

This is what happened after I read her post:

I bee-lined it to Target for cream cheese and eggs.

Don’t you hate when you have almost all the ingredients to a recipe!? That’s how I end up at the store, daily.

They are basically a blondie bar topped with an amazing white chocolate cream cheese (with a hint of orange zest) frosting.

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August 30th, 2011

Toasted S’mores Bars

Did you know it’s National Marshmallow Toasting Day?!

 

It’s true. Officially.

Check out this cute calendar for more fun excuses to eat treats holidays!

What else happens when you are totally bored out of your mind? Besides bake and look at wacky calendars?!

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June 7th, 2011

Pretzel Cigars, Rocky Road Bars, and Golf Ball Pops… for Dad

Whether it’s your dad, grandpa, papa, husband, or a man in your life who is “just like a dad” I really think he deserves one of these treats. Or all.

Because you love him. He loves you. So show the love and make him something – and maybe, just maybe you will reap some of the benefits.

It’s a win, win sitch(uation).

I was trying to think of “manly” treats. It wasn’t easy. But here is what I made and found for ya.

p.s. hopefully your dad enjoys golfing, cigars, or rocky roads.

My dad…well, doesn’t. He probably hasn’t touched a golf club since 1975 nor have I ever seen him smoke a stogie. However, he likes rocky road candy bars (and woodworking). I was going to form a cake ball to look like a piece of wood but I’m pretty sure I’d be the first and last to create that idea. At least I made rocky road bars. Phew.

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