Almond Joy Brownie Bites

Chocolate and coconut…bring it on! This is an easy recipe I found online and of course the kids wanted me to make it. Megan and Timothy helped with it, especially afterwards when tasters were needed! ;) We actually made these twice, Caitlin helping the 2nd time, because I sort of played with the recipe a little, as I am sometimes wont to do, and instead of melting the chocolate chips and drizzling that onto the bites at the end, I thought I’d just sprinkle the chips on top for the baking process. They were yummy, but Caity suggested using mini chocolate chips instead, which did turn out to be better.

First, mix together the brownie mix as directed on the package. Yes, I could have made homemade brownie mix for this, but no, I did not. I have been so busy lately, the ease of the packaged mix was a blessing. ‘Nuff said. ;)

Place cupcake papers into several muffin tins. Scoop brownie batter into the papers, only enough to fill halfway. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for about 12 minutes.

While they are baking, mix the flaked coconut in a bowl with the sweetened condensed milk.

Chop the almonds. I didn’t want to spend so much money on the almonds, so I managed to find a small bag of Fisher’s slivered almonds for…something like $1.50 or so, and it was plenty enough for this recipe with a little left over. If I had a few other recipes needing almonds, I would have bought the cans with more ounces, and of course more money, but I didn’t, so this would do.

When the brownie bites are done, remove from the oven and spoon about 1 Tbl of the coconut mixture on top of each. I used one of my smaller scoops that equaled about 1 Tbl. Make sure to tamp it down a little, to spread it over the whole of the top of the brownie.

Sprinkle the chopped almonds on top of the coconut mixture, then the chocolate chips.

Put the muffin tins back into the oven and bake for an additional 12 minutes.

When cool enough, remove from the muffin tins. Serve and watch the smiles! Enjoy! ~TMMF


Almond Joy Brownie Bites

1 box fudge brownie mix
   (family size)
3 c flaked coconut
7 oz sweetened condensed milk
¼ c almonds
1 c mini chocolate chips

Almost Candy Bars

Almost Candy Bars are similar to Magic Cookie Bars, but with a few little twists. Definitely more chocolate involved here, so chocoholics can get their fix! This recipe is one that I first had at a family gathering with in-laws, and it was so good I had to ask for the recipe. These bars are a treat to make for your family, and also great for a party or gathering.

Easy, easy, easy: empty the devil’s food cake mix into a bowl. Add the butter. You don’t have to soften the butter; it can be room temperature or even refrigerator cold. Which in our house is basically the same thing. ;)

Using a pastry knife, cut the butter into the cake mix until crumbly.

Sprinkle the mixture evenly in an un-greased 9 X 13” baking dish and lightly press it down.

Chop the nuts smallish and measure out the other toppings.

Evenly sprinkle on the chocolate chips, peanut butter or butterscotch chips, coconut, and nuts. I have made this with the butterscotch chips and it’s just as yummy, but this time I used peanut butter chips. I also used pecans this time, because they’re my favorite.

Next, pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the whole thing.

Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350°, until light golden brown on top. It may bubble up over the edges around the pan and that may look somewhat ugly, but those pieces will be the chewiest! Cool sufficiently and cut. Enjoy! ~TMMF

          Almost Candy Bars

          1 pkg. devil’s food cake mix
          ½ c. butter
          1 c. chocolate chips
          1 c. butterscotch or peanut butter chips
          1 c. coconut
          1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans
          1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

Chocolate Pie with Oat Flour Crust

Today I made a chocolate cream pie with an oat flour crust. I have been in love with oats for years. I consider them one of my four food groups. ;) This crust is quick and very easy to make, and it tastes like an oatmeal cookie.

Melt the butter and set aside.

Mix together the oat flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Add the melted butter and mix well with a wooden spoon. It may look like it’s too moist or sticky, but if you press into it with your finger, you’ll see that it’s not.

Press the mixture into an un-greased 9” pie pan, making sure it comes up the sides. Bake in a 350° oven for 10 minutes, and not a minute more! Let cool.

When the crust is cooled sufficiently, mix up the filling. I’ve made pie fillings from scratch, but for this I did use a packaged pudding mix. I used 2 boxes of instant pudding and 2 ½ c. milk. Whisk until the pudding is fairly thick, and then pour into the oat flour crust. Let set in the refrigerator until firm.

While the pie is chillin’ out, make the whipped cream. Beat the cream until firm enough to keep it’s shape when you lift the beaters out. I actually prefer my whipped cream au natural, but if you like, add the vanilla and confectioner’s sugar, and beat another 30 seconds or so to blend it in.

When the chocolate pie is firm enough, slice and serve with a generous pile of the whipped cream. Watch the smiles come out! ~TMMF





Oat Flour Crust                                                         Whipped Cream

1/3 c. butter                                                             1 pint heavy cream
1 1/3 c. oat flour                                                       1 tsp. vanilla
¼ c. brown sugar                                                      1/4 c. confectioner's sugar
¼ tsp. cinnamon

Delicious Quick Chocolate Sauce

Ever get a craving for ice cream and some good, I mean good, hot fudge sauce? This is a recipe that my mother made when my siblings and I were growing up, and it is de-licious!

It also works up quickly, and is better tasting than store bought, so it’s great for an easy special dessert when you have guests.

In a small saucepan, cook the milk and unsweetened baking chocolate squares on low to medium heat until chocolate melts, stirring constantly. As it is almost completely melted, it takes on a thick consistency.

Stir in the sugar, and continue cooking and stirring with a wooden spoon or a whisk.

Add the butter and salt, blending well.

Continue to cook and stir about  5 minutes till slightly thick.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

The sauce will thicken on standing; let sit about five to ten minutes or so.




Scoop ice cream into bowls, and ladle your scrumptious hot fudge sauce on top. Watch the smiles appear!

Delicious Quick Chocolate Sauce

3 sq. unsweetened baking chocolate
½ c. milk
¾ c. sugar
1 Tbl. Butter
Dash of salt
¾ tsp. vanilla