Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

I am so glad I ate one of these bars after I went to the dentist for a cleaning on Monday.  They are stick to your teeth good and very rich.  I tempted y'all with these last week promising the recipe...well, here it is!

Imagine pecan pie, but with added chocolate bits and a buttery, flaky crust.  Then multiple that times 10.  Then you might be close to what these taste like.  Oh my gosh, perfect to gift to someone, a bake sale or a weekend stuck in the house because of snow.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Crust:

2 c. flour

1/3 c. sugar

3/4 c. butter, softened

1/4 t. salt

Filling:

4 eggs

1 1/2 c. corn syrup

1 1/2 c. sugar

3 T. butter, melted

1 1/2 t. vanilla

2 1/2 c. chopped pecans

1 c. chocolate chips

Combine flour, sugar, butter and salt with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Press firmly and evenly into a 9x13 pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

For filling combine all ingredients and pour/spread over hot crust.  Bake an additional 25-30 minutes or until set.  Cool on wire rack and cut into squares.  Yields 4 dozen small bars.



No, the little miss did not get a bite of these bars, but rather munched on Cheerios while watching me bake.  I don't know about your kids, but anytime I'm in the kitchen they are ubber-interested in what I am doing.  Not sure if we have budding-bakers on our hands or they just like to be involved.

Either way, I try and let them help as much as I can, until I want to pull my hair out or walk outside for a breather for a few minutes.  Whichever comes first.

Happy Friday everyone!

Honey Cornbread Muffins

I'm not going to lie.  The path of existence with cornbread and I has been that little blue and white box called Jiffy.  Although she got me through many years and she tasted pretty darn good, I've found a replacement.

I like to find homemade recipes of boxed versions, not only because they tend to be better for you, but you just feel proud after you make them.  Like you accomplished something.  Anything.

Take these muffins for instance (which could easily be made in loaf form for bread).  They went great with our spicy taco soup a couple of weeks ago and for mid-morning snacks the next day.  And not to mention the taste...so much better than their boxed cousin!  My goodness, they are good.

Please, I'm begging you give them a try.

Honey Cornbread Muffins

1 c. cornmeal

1 c. flour

1 T. baking powder

1/2 c. sugar

1 t. salt

1 c. milk

2 eggs

1/2 stick butter, melted

1/4 c. honey

Mix together all ingredients until just combined, do not overmix.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, grease a muffin pan or use liners, fill 3/4 of the way full and bake for 15 minutes.

Top with more honey.  Or if you grew up in my family maple syrup.

I know, people think we are weird.

Slow Cooker Meatballs {two meals in one!}

The kids and I spent the whole weekend at my parents house.  With wintry weather outside we spent all our time indoors, which of course meant lots of cooking and baking!  The little man LOVED it and I think spent 50% of his time sitting at the kitchen island helping Grandma.

Maybe a budding chef?

The recipe I'm sharing today is one of the easiest and most delicious recipes I feel I've passed on in a long time.  The slow cooker does all the work and it can be made into two meals.  The traditional way as spaghetti and meatballs and the most delicious meatball subs.  Both were equally satisfying.

Working moms, stay-at-home moms, single folks, every living, breathing soul on this planet, needs to try this one.

Spaghetti & Meatballs

Meatball Subs

Slow Cooker Meatballs
Meatballs
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. ground pork or pork sausage
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. breadcrumbs
3 T. fresh parsley
1 egg, beaten
2 t. minced garlic
2 T. olive oil

Sauce
28 oz. tomatoes, drained
28 oz. tomato puree
1 t. dried basil
1/4 t. crushed red pepper
1/2 t. salt

Combine meat ingredients and stir until just combined.  Form into 24 meatballs.  In a large slow cooker, combine all sauce ingredients, then add in meatballs.  Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.

*If sauce seems a little thin when done, combine a little cornstarch and water to thicken*

Then divide up.  Eat half of the meatballs with pasta, then reheat a couple of days later and make meatball subs (sub rolls, provolone cheese, meatballs and sauce).

If you are a meal planner I've taken care of two meals for you!

Now tell me, who is going to try this one???

DIY Sunday: Treat Bags for Your Girlfriends

I try and never go empty handed when meeting friends that I haven't seen in what seems likes ages.  A little something small, I feel, lets them know I value their friendship, even if we haven't seen each other in over a year (or longer!).

I really value the friendships I've made over the years from various jobs and places we've lived.  Do you keep in touch with your friends?

Yesterday I made up the most delicious Chocolate Pecan Bars.  See them?  They are heavenly, and every bit of sugar filled that they look like they are.  There is no hiding the calories in this bar.  But it's okay - only two are packaged up in each treat bag, just enough to get your sweet tooth on.



Here is what you'll need to make these cute bags:

• Cellophane bags - found cheap at any Dollar Store, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.
• Treats (preferably homemade!)
• Ribbon or wire to tie bags
• Wax or parchment paper

Bake your treats, let them cool, layer between sheets of wax or parchment paper, place in bags, secure with ribbon or cute wire and your done!  I put two large bars in each bag, which used up the 9x13 pan I baked them in.

If your waiting for this recipe, you'll just have to wait a little longer - I won't be revealing till later this week.  Think of it as saving you some fat and calories....

Friday Fun Foods

We are snowed in and at Grandma's house.  The kids couldn't be happier.  All this snow, wind and cold temps gets me screaming comfort food.

The little man just helped Grandma put together a casserole for tonight and next we'll be making dough for my artisan bread.  It's a good day to be stuck inside.

Here are some Friday Fun Foods I thought I'd share.  All of which are going on my list to make.  Being stuck inside is not good for your waist line!  Thank goodness I'll be helping to shovel the drive later...

Old Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts.  Need I say more?  If I had to chose a doughnut, this would be it.  There are many that "claim" they don't get doughnuts.  Yeah, right.

Kung Pao Chicken.  I love dishes like this.  It makes you forget you're inhaling tons of vegetables because they are covered in a decadent sauce.  Not to mention the fire from the spice - right up my alley!

Nutella Hot Cocoa.  What I wouldn't give for a swig of this right about now.  But, let's be honest, I'd eat Nutella in or on anything.  Toast, bananas, a flip-flop, whatever.

So, have these three recipes have you dreaming up comfort food today?  During a snowstorm, what food is on your mind?

Mini Italian Meat Loaves

This morning I woke up craving meatloaf.  Tonight I made meatloaf.  Simple as that.

After work I reached down in the cupboard for a loaf pan and grabbed the muffin tins by mistake.  But...ah...what about mini meat loaves I thought?

Yes, perfect.

Each time I make meatloaf I dump in different ingredients.  The premise stays the same (egg, some sort of breadcrumb/crushed cereal/oatmeal, seasonings, etc.), but more often than not each loaf has a different flavor.  Tonight I went to Italy.  As we all know I love Italian food.

Mini Italian Meat Loaves
1 lb. ground turkey or beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. Italian style breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/2 c. marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 t. pepper
1 t. salt

Stir together all ingredients until just combined.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray 6 regular sized muffin tins with cooking spray.  Form meat into large balls and place in tins (they will make 6).  Spread additional marinara/spaghetti sauce on top.

Bake for 40 minutes.  Remove from muffin tin and let cool 5 minutes before eating.  This will prevent a burnt tongue and lip (I didn't listen to my own advice).

Oh, and of course serve with baked garlic fries.  That's a given.

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So tomorrow is Thursday, which essentially is my Friday (yep, only work 3 days a week!), which always makes the night seem so much better.  Even though I love my job.  I start looking forward to the long weekend - which this weekend includes a trip to the rents, a lunch at Newton's Paradise Cafe with some old friends and co-workers, and a visit to the dentist.  Ugh.

I like everything but that last one.

I know one person in my life who loves the dentist (who I will be seeing this weekend, hopefully).  She's crazy.  Does anyone really love the dentist???

Banana Oatmeal Chip Cookies

I love this picture.  Some insane, healthy cookies sitting in front of our two beautiful kids.  I won't pretend that I didn't set that picture up...

I finally got that picture up, in a frame and on display in our family room.  The pictures were taken by my friend Shawna back in October.  I'm so behind.

You should all be shocked I'm even posting recipes these days.  As each and everyday, I have the little miss hanging on my pant legs.  Everywhere I go.  She follows.  I leave the room, she cries.  I pick her up, she's happy.

I'm keep telling myself, it's the age.  As right around 9-10 months most babies get really attached to mommy.  We have not been the exception.

But, with a smile this cute, I don't really mind.  As much work as babies are, they really can lift your spirits at any given moment.



After the kids are in bed I've been reading this book.  At Christmas, my sister said she was reading it, so of course, I prompted her to mail it to me as soon as she was done.  I can't help it - I have an addiction to Hollywood gossip.

Let me just say this.  Kris Jenner works hard and from what I've read has been through some tough times in her life, made some bad, bad decisions, but in the end sounds like a pretty good lady to me.  Moving on.

These cookies!  I received the Carrots 'N Cake book for Christmas and this recipe comes from Tina herself.  Not a single person in this house disliked these healthy cookies, although the husband complained they had a few too many chocolate chips.  Whats with men and too much chocolate?  I don't get it.

Banana Oatmeal Chip Cookies

*makes 2 1/2 dozen*

1/2 c. flour (whole wheat, regular, almond, whatever)

1 c. oats

1/2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. baking soda

1/4 t. cinnamon

1 T. flax seed

1/4 c. agave nectar or honey

1/4 c. milk (regular or soy)

1/2 t. vanilla

1 T. canola oil

1 ripe, mashed banana

1/2 c. chocolate chips

1/4 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a large baking sheet.  Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well, dough will be wet.

Place a tablespoon size of dough on sheet.  Bake for 10-12 minutes, removing cookies and allowing to cool on a wire rack.

I made these on Saturday, they are gone today.  Enough said.