Welcome December 2012!

First off, I know I know, I am terrible at blogging because I never keep up. NEV.ER. Now that we have only a month til the new year, maybe I should start my resolutions early and put "take time to blog" high up there.

And to get into that December/Christmas spirit, the other day I whipped up some Mint Chocolate Cake bars.  I'm sure you've seen the recipe for "Easy Cake Bars" or "Lazy Bars" or whatever you'd like to call them- the goodness of a cookie/brownie/bar with only 3 simple ingredients.  Well, I was thinking the other day about Panera's Mint Crinkle Cookies- how good they are, the chocolate, mint, & powdered sugar- and how sad I am they aren't in their bakery cafes right now.  So that's when I thought up these mint chocolate bars- easy!

Mint Chocolate Cake Bars

Ingredients:
-1 chocolate cake mix (I used Chocolate Fudge, but use whatever you'd like)
-1/3 c vegetable oil
-2 eggs
-1 tsp peppermint extract
-Andes candies- finely chopped
-Powdered sugar

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees
-Grease/spray a 13x9 pan
-Beat together eggs, vegetable oil, cake mix, and peppermint extract
-Unwrap & chop up a few andes candies- I had probably 1/3 c worth of chopped candy
-Mix in Andes mints, then spread batter into pan
-Bake 18-22 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean
-Remove pan from oven, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top

This is all it takes folks!

Choppin' up some Andes Candies

Everybody in!

It's a thick batter to spread

Fresh outta the oven, dusted with powdered sugar

These are basically a brownie, but since I based it off of cake mix, I had to roll with the cake bar title....it flows better than Mint Chocolate Brownies. Sounds fancier.  The Andes basically melt into the bars, so they aren't like mint chips- but it adds to the mint chocolate flavor.  If I had more time I would have dressed them up a little, maybe a mint cool whip frosting or a chocolate glaze- make them a little more rich. But these were gobbled up at work, and at home :)  Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Curt....(red velvet) Kisses to celebrate!

Well it's been a looooong couple weeks since I last posted. I can't even remember what I've all done...perhaps that because a lot of it was something that rhymed with "fork"-and didn't involve anything fun like eating  : /  I haven't forgot about the blog or baking!

We had visitors this past weekend- Curt's parents made the long trek south to visit us, and in celebration I HAD to make something.  And if you hadn't seen my recent pinning of Red Velvet-ness on pinterest, this recipe fits with my obsession! 

I hadn't actually found this recipe on pinterest, but had recently seen this recipe for Nutella kiss cookies, and for obvious reasons couldn't bake them up...but started brainstorming to make a red velvet twist.  Which, upon googling "red velvet kiss cookies" I realized I wasn't the only one thinking about these!  So I took a few recipes, mixed them up, and came up with my own recipe- which follows.

Red Velvet Kiss Cookies

Ingredients
-3/4 c butter, softened
-2 eggs
-1 c white sugar
-1 c brown sugar
-1 tsp vanilla
-1 tsp vinegar
-Red food coloring
-2 1/2 c flour
-1/2 c red velvet cake mix (dry)
-1/2 c cocoa powder
-1/2 tsp baking soda
-1/2 tsp salt
-Powdered Sugar
-Hershey Kisses

(I know...seems like a lot of ingredients for a recipe of MINE...you know me & less ingredients=better)

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 325 degrees
-Cream together butter & white and brown sugars
-Mix in the eggs, vanilla, and vinegar & add in red food coloring (you can tell I didn't add enough...)
-In second bowl, combine the flour, red velvet cake mix, cocoa powder, baking soda, & salt
-Add the dry ingredients (I did about 1/3 at a time, then mixed, added, mixed) until all combined
-Roll dough into balls
-Dump a little powdered sugar in a bowl & roll balls of dough in sugar to coat
-Place cookie dough on parchment-paper lined cookie sheets & bake about 8-10 minutes
-While cookies are baking, count out a hershey kiss for each cookie & unwrap them
-Take cookies out of oven (they will puff up some & create the "crackle"), and press a kiss into the top of each
-Cool cookies & enjoy :)

The dry ingredients & the wet

I set up an assembly line...rolled into balls, into the powdered sugar, then on the pan!

they look like donut holes....maybe my next project!!!!

out of the oven- pressing a kiss into each cookie

You can see my product wasn't very "red" but delicious none-the-less

mmm Rich Red-Velvety-chocolate goodness

Ok, so these weren't exactly Curt's dream birthday treat....so I whipped up some homemade blueberry muffins as his "cake".  I think his mom & I ate enough of these cookies to make up for what he didn't :)

Oatmeal...Day 3

Bet you think I wouldn't make it to day 3...or 3 days in a row at least. Well, BOOM! I did! Helps that the recipe I'm featuring today is super easy, not to mention super yummy, and completely peanut & tree-nut free! (as everything I make is nowadays, so silly statement)

As mentioned yesterday, there are many edible ways to eat oats...oatmeal, in granola, granola bars, pancakes, muffins, as a binding agent in meatloaf & burgers, as a streusel topping on a blueberry cobbler (yum! I love a warm cobbler..with ice cream. oops, I diverge).

I was trying to think of a quick cookie recipe...something without baking. Like...no bake cookies! No bake cookies call for oats. And peanut butter :/  So I was curious, and started thinking- another "binding" flavor is butterscotch, which thinking of the flavor makes me feel all warm & cozy inside- perfect for fall!  A quick google search of "butterscotch no bake cookies" and found this: Pudding No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies.  Read the reviews & made as the recipe below...and titled them No-Bake Butterscotch Balls.

No-Bake Butterscotch Balls

Ingredients:
-1 1/2 c white sugar
-3/4 c butter
-1 (5oz) can evaporated milk
-1 (3.4) oz box instant butterscotch pudding mix
-3 1/2- 4 cups rolled oats
-1 cup butterscotch chips
-Milk chocolate chips, to melt & drizzle over tops, if you just  need a little chocolate like I do!

Directions:
-Add butter, milk, and sugar to pot on stove at medium-high heat.  Stir until butter is melted, and continue stirring frequently until it is at a bubbling boil (may have to adjust heat some).

Let boil undisturbed for 20 seconds.  Remove from heat, stir in pudding mix & oats.  Let cool for a few minutes, if mixture is still quite soup-y, add a little more oats.

Mixture will start to set & thicken as it cools.  As it cools, stir in butterscotch chips- yes, they will likely melt but that adds to the butterscotch flavor & in my mind helped it thicken.  While this mix is cooling a little- place wax paper over a cookie sheet.  Drop by tablespoonfuls (I used an ice cream scoop) onto wax paper...let cool.  They will solidify, promise! (15 minutes or so).

If desired, melt a little milk chocolate & drizzle over the tops.  I drizzled chocolate over half of the butterscotch balls & left half plain. Yum! Store in airtight container...after a few days they may start to get kind of soggy.

'tis all you need!

melted butter...milk...sugar, coming to a "bubbly boil"

the butterscotch mixture smells GREAT!

mmm butterscotch chips too!

using my ice cream scoop!

with a chocolate drizzle...I'm aware these don't look pretty & perfect!

and there you have it! No-Bake Butterscotch Balls

Now to experiment with the recipe...adding different flavors.  Like...coconut cream pudding w/ coconut flakes.  Or maybe devil's food pudding mix with chocolate chunks? Or...vanilla yogurt w/ maybe cake mix batter mixed in too?!?! ooo...I gotta get back to the kitchen!

Oatmeal...Day 2

Well, it's day 2 of my oatmeal challenge, and day 2 of having no voice.  Yes, I can hear people rejoicing...Curt doesn't have to listen to me whine, my mom doesn't have me calling 6 times/day, Jethro can get away with about anything.  Honestly, it stinks.  Kind of frustrating  because if people ask me questions, I can't respond, if I have a question I can't just ask...etc.  I have learned my lesson, I'm ready to have my voice back please!

So today I promised you 10 Ways to Use Oats.  After much brainstorming, I can't say I have like ten SOLID ways, so I'll just kind of present MY 10 ways- a few of them being edible things haha.  My goal was to find ten different ways, only 1 being eating them, but....as with my voice, things don't always go as planned, right?

10 Ways to Use Oats

1. Cook them up into oatmeal & enjoy for breakfast- throw in fruit to make it tastier & add nutrition, or perhaps toss in a handful of chocolate chips- or butterscotch! mmm.

2.  Use in cookies! Honestly probably one of my favorite uses- yes I do enjoy eating oatmeal for breakfast...but I loooove me some cookies! Oatmeal raisin, oatmeal chocolate chip (even better), No-bake cookies (look for a recipe soon....like tomorrow's post!)

3. Use to make granola or granola bars.  Some people even just toast oats with/without some spices & put them on yogurt or applesauce to add a little nutrition & fiber.

4. Use oats as a binding agent when making meatloaf, burgers, or meatballs!

5. Use to make other breakfasts, such as pancakes & muffins!

(insert random comment- yes, I realize I have a habit of adding in too many !!! and ... 's)

6.  Use oats to absorb odors.  Example 1- place a small open container of oats in your fridge & it will help soak up any odors floating around.  Example 2- some people are known to put some oats on the bottom of their ashtrays, as oats are supposed to help neutralize the smell of smoke.  Not a smoker myself, I can not vouch for this, but knowing that oats can neutralize odors, I suppose it's worth a shot!

7.  Use oats as an art project for kids- such as the recipe I found here for oatmeal clay- mix up a playdough like substance, let it dry overnight, and your kids will wake up to a fun figure of their creation.  Or as they suggested, make oatmeal clay beads & create a necklace- roll into balls, pierce a hole through with a toothpick, & allow to dry.  Now to find some kids to do fun projects with...

8.  Use oats to make a face mask! It's debatable whether some claims that oatmeal can help reduce acne are truth or rumor, but oatmeal can help soothe skin, so def worth a shot!  Do a quick google search to find a recipe for oatmeal face mask, but a quick recipe I found was -grind up 2 tbsp oats, add in 1 tsp baking soda, add small water to create a paste, spread on skin, let soak for 10 mins, rinse with cool water.  Baking soda I know can help get rid of dead skin, so it has to be somewhat good, right?!?

9. Oatmeal can help reduce itch from rash, allergies, insect bites, etc.  Creating a paste & covering insect bites with it can help reduce the itch, but I know when it comes to using for eczema/more severe cases, it is most beneficial in "colloidal" form (oats are ground into fine powder & added to water/liquid).  Aveeno makes many great products (body wash, bubble bath/soak, shampoo) with colloidal oatmeal, & I do recommend it to patients.  Although I must say it can be pricey, there are getting to be better generic alternatives.

10. Use oats to make a dry shampoo! (sorry for the extra !, but this I am legit excited about!) I'll admit, I found the idea for this one here, but it's great.  haven't tried it, but I will have to & report back to you. It would be easy enough to make in advance, and it does make sense it would work.

Sooooo that's it folks! 10 ways to use oats.  When I did a little search on oats a couple days ago, I found a study that researchers in Europe I believe did a test on the longevity of oats & they found some taste-testers found oatmeal that was 28 years old to still be edible.  Guess it didn't taste quite perfectly "oat-y", but I'm thinking if you find a container of oats in the back of your pantry & you're my age....you're safe to bake some cookies with it. Just sayin'

Oatmeal...Day 1

We sat down for breakfast the other morning & Curt attempted to eat oatmeal for the first time in years....he took out the familiar Quaker Oats container, and dumped in a LITTLE (I mean, a little) brown sugar.  Then shook his head as he tried to choke down the "nasty mash" and repeatedly said "yuck" and asked the question "Why is oatmeal even good for you?, Why do people eat it?"

The first thought I had...cholesterol.  And then the fact it's high in fiber.  But I started thinking more & created a blog challenge for myself.  The days of oatmeal- Day 1- top 10 reasons to eat Oatmeal, Day 2- 10 ways to use oats/meal, Day 3- A recipe using oats.  Well, that's all I have, but 3 days is a good start.

So today I present....

Top 10 Reasons to Eat Oatmeal

1. Oatmeal lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol, and can increase HDL (good cholesterol).  And lowering cholesterol can help prevent heart disease (amongst preventing other health disorders). In fact, back in 1997, the FDA approved that oatmeal can carry a label claiming it "may reduce the risk of heart disease when combined with a low fat diet". Awesome!

2. Oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber- in fact, it contains more fiber than whole wheat, rice, and corn.  Soluble fiber is the stuff that, especially when you keep hydrated, forms a sort of "gel" with water, than in turn slows digestion & keeps you feeling fuller longer- aka you may not be reaching into the fridge for a snack within an hour of eating breakfast.  So indirectly, adding oatmeal may help you start on the track of losing weight!

3. Oatmeal slows digestion- as mentioned above- WHICH is good for people with diabetes.  The slower digestion of starches helps stabilize blood sugars and can help you avoid the blood sugar spikes associated with eating (or high post-prandial blood glucoses for those who are all technical). Overall, this can improve insulin sensitivity- good for diabetics & non-diabetics alike

4. Oatmeal is typically gluten-free.  Many proteins found in gluten are not found in oats, so if you've found your gluten-sensitive or are trying to be more aware of gluten in your diet, oatmeal can be a good addition to your breakfast repertoire.  However, if you're unfortunate enough to have celiac disease, take caution because not ALL oatmeal is completely gluten-free

5. Oatmeal is low calorie and low fat.  In fact, just 1/2 cup of dry oatmeal is roughly 150 calories.  Even looking at my "souped up" oatmeal (Quaker Apple & Cinnamon packets), one packet is only 130 calories.  Not too shabby.

6. Oatmeal is a quick breakfast!  I put my oatmeal in the microwave for a minute 42 (because I am oddly OCD...don't judge, that is what I have always done w/ oatmeal!)- and at that point it's a little hot so I have to wait to eat it, but point is, even cooking oatmeal via stove-top you could have cooked & eaten in 15 minutes.

7. Oatmeal (or oats) is versatile!  See tomorrow's post on "ways to use oats" :)

8. Oatmeal is warm & comforting.  Especially now that the fall is upon us, I do enjoy having a nice bowl of oatmeal while getting ready for the day.

9.  Oatmeal is relatively inexpensive.  One container of rolled oats- mayyyyybe $3, or a box of flavored packets can be found on sale at times 2/$3,$4 (getting you 12 packets!).  Compare to other breakfast options (like...McDonalds drive-thru?), and compare a container's price per serving- not bad for the college student & budget minded alike.

10. Oatmeal is a great source of vitamins & minerals.  Oats are particularly high in Vitamin B(s).  Thiamine can help with carb metabolism & muscle function, niacin is also good for cholesterol, folate can help with body functioning-technically cell division & growth.  Oats also contain iron, calcium, vitamin A, and other vitamins that make it a healthy option.


And...there you have it! I'll edit tomorrow/freshen it up a bit & add post number 2- ways to use oats! other than just eating "nasty mash".  Time for bed....gotta rest up for another day in paradise aka the pharmacy :)

Happy October!

Happy October! You've made it through 9 months of 2012...welcoming fall & all the fun associated with it, and getting closer to the holiday season.  But this month is a holiday in itself- Curt's birthday month! I guess it's an ok month to be born, as I know MANY people-friends/family- with birthdays in October, including my brother Nick, Curt's sister Melissa, my friend Shanna, little cousin Haley, the list could go on. 

Well, it got me thinking, October really is a great month- and I have been getting super excited about fall.  I started making a mental list of things to do this fall, and decided to make a "things to do in October" list- and try to make through most if not all of them.  That way I can't sit around on my days off & think, what should I do? And, if I can inspire you to try something new, that's always a plus too :)

Things to Do in October

(listed by date)

1- Get organized! Week 1 of October is recognized as "Get Organized Week".  Check out any remaining clearance school supply aisles in the store, buy yourself an agenda & start planning the busy holiday season, upcoming due dates & activities, and important dates & vacations in the next year.  It may be easier this day in age with a smart phone....but doesn't hurt to have a back-up hardcopy!

2-American Pharmacists Month- say thank you to your local pharmacist next time you pick up your prescription!  Not to brag, but we're pretty awesome.

3-Celebrate Oktoberfest! Grab a brew of some sort, or try out one named after the festivities

4- National Frappe Day- while most people are gearing up for pumpkin spice lattes, support your local McDonald's & treat yourself to a frappe.  Or if you're a snob & NEED Starbucks, get a frappuccino, which is basically the same.  If you end up at Starbucks, do yourself a favor & order the Java Chip Frappuccino though, my fave thing on the menu.

5- Do something nice today. Whether it's a smile, opening a door for someone, or picking up trash blowing across the parking lot

6- International Frugal Fun Day- who says you need to have money to have fun? There are PLENTY of ideas for cheap activities- this list was found from a popular blog often featured on pinterest.  One of my favorite frugal fun activities? Having a game night! Even if you only have a deck of cards, google a new card game to learn, or sit down for some monopoly or Quelf. 

7-R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. & celebrate John Cougar Mellencamp's Birthday today! Listen to Pink Houses, Cherry Bomb, Jack & Diane, I Need a Lover, Lonely Ol Night, & Hurts So Good- or pull up "John Mellencamp Radio" on Satellite radio or Pandora

8-Columbus Day- take a minute to thank Chris C for sailing the ocean blue back in 1492, or we may not be here today!

9-Rock of Ages- the movie- comes out on DVD! Reserve it on RedBox, at Family Video, Netflix, etc & get ready to rock to the 80's music featured!

10- Week 2 of October is celebrated as "Pet Peeve Week"- so release that built-up frustration & write down your biggest pet peeves.  This may also make for great work break room conversation

11-You know what I love? When I am running late for work, and I hurriedly slam my pants leg in my car door, then get to work & realize my water bottle leaked all over my purse, then show up to the pharmacy and already have 5 people waiting in line at 8:45 for me to open at 9.  Just kidding.  But what I do love is sarcasm, & October is National Sarcasm Month

12-Have a bonfire!  I love dressing in sweats, sitting close to the fire, relaxing & roasting marshmallows. Especially in October, when you actually want to sit right up to the fire unlike July, when the air is still 82.  Invite the neighbors over & make it a party!

13- Take advantage of a crisp fall morning & head down to the local farmer's market. The weather may not be as nice as summer, and the selection

14- Tailgate!  My favorite team, the Packers, are playing in Houston today, but who says I can't still tailgate & eat all sorts of yummy gameday & grilled food!

15-Get your flu shot! The flu is nothing to mess with, and if you can prevent it, why not get a simple shot?!?  Hate shots? Get your vaccine via nasal spray! Flu season typically starts in early October, so get vaccinated now to ensure you're protected.  You may be a doubter saying, well it doesn't cover EVERY strain of flu, why waste my time/money, or maybe "I've never gotten sick before, why would it happen now?". The way I see it, better safe than sorry.  And, to avoid a doctor's visit- stop in your local pharmacy :) Many pharmacists are qualified to give vaccinations, including flu shots!

16-Bosses Day- say thanks to the big man (or woman).  Even if you aren't their biggest fan, they keep you employed AND who doesn't like to be appreciated? Say a simple thanks, or really kiss up & bring in treats or a thank-you card.

17- Do some work, have some fun- get outside & rake some leaves into a huge pile- then jump in them! have a leaf fight! be a kid again!

18-Breast Cancer Awareness month- do something to honor those who have been affected by breast cancer.  Participate in a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, donate a few bucks to the cause, buy pink NFL breast cancer awareness gear for your favorite team, learn some breast cancer facts, or remember a loved one who was affected.

19-Go to a hockey game!  With baseball season coming to a close, it's time for some hockey- our local Des Moines Bucs started up a couple weeks ago and you can't beat enjoying some ice, concession stands, and fighting.

20-Happy Sweetest Day!  The Valentine's Day for fall!  Tell your sweetie you love them, or at least show a little extra appreciation to ALL those you love. 

21-Visit a local pumpkin patch- have fun finding that perfect pumpkin, pose for some photo ops, then go home & get carving! (get pumpkin decor ideas here)

22-It's a Monday...and who wants to cook after a long day of work? Prepare on Sunday to bust out your crockpot & start something cooking on Monday morning before you leave for work!  Come home to a yummy smelling house & dinner cooked for you.  Try some of the recipes on this website or this one or this one!!!!!

23-Go for a run outdoors- before the snow comes & makes sidewalks slick, get outside, enjoy any remaining fall colors, or even register to do a 5k.  Wanna know if there are any upcoming races in your area? Visit Runner's World Race Finder, or Active 's listings.

24-Get spooked at a local Haunted House!!! Bring a friend though that you don't mind being close to ;)

25-TWO MONTHS until Christmas! Be prepared for once and buy a present for someone today.  Think of something perfect for someone on your shopping list & buy it now.  Not only will it help save some stress of last-minute shopping, but it helps the wallet too when you spread out the spending over a couple months rather than a couple days.

26-Enjoy a hay ride!  I have memories of visiting my Great Aunt/Uncle's farm as a kid & going on a hay ride around their property.  Granted, it was tractor-pulled rather than horse-pulled, but either is a fun way to relax with friends & family in the fall.

27-USA Today's "Make a Difference Day"- I am always hooked to reading the stories of projects people of ALL ages have done to make a difference.  Join a a group and aid in their project, or think of that one volunteer project you've always wanted to do, and actually do it this year! Every little bit helps.

28-National Mother-In-Law Day (4th Sunday in October)- who knew there was a special MIL day?! Sure, they deserve a day to be honored (ok, maybe some people may not agree with me)- but even a quick "thanks for raising your son/daughter" or "I made your recipe for lasagna the other night, it was fantastic" can make them feel good.

29-Try a new restaurant or cuisine- you know that eclectic, small restaurant on the corner you drive by every day? stop in for a meal! Always wondered what Peruvian food tastes like? Put on your brave pants & go in for lunch.  You never know until you try! Find a place using a cool new app too :)

30-Trick or treat! Go on the hunt for a sugar high on what many cities celebrate as Beggars Night.  Stock up on candy in case some cuties come knocking on your door.  Or stock up on candy just because you love candy.

31-Happy Halloween!!! Get dressed up in a costume, or just go to WalMart & people watch (just kidding!).  I have to admit, I LOVE seeing kids all dressed up- the little baby costumes are the CUTEST things.  And while I'll reserve myself from dressing up Jethro, some of those doggy costumes are adorable too- at Target today we noticed the "Wide Retriever" jerseys, so cute.



Hope that gives you at least ONE thing to try out this October.  No kids sitting around saying "I'm bored"...the fall provides much fun if one just looks around.

Curt's Love Nuggets

I have to say I'm not the most creative person.  I think of really cool things to do, that in my mind seem creative but then I have no artistic capabilities whatsoever and if I do attempt to follow through on my thoughts, it NEVER turns out.  I think deep down inside, I did get a little of the Haydon family creativeness.  And I thank pinterest for bringing it out. 

Surprisingly enough, I did not find this recipe on pinterest, nor even a picture that I tried to duplicate.  I guess I did see the "slutty brownies" which is somewhat similar to this recipe.  And I'm sure if I really searched the internet, I'd find I didn't necessarily "invent" this exact recipe, but put it this way, I didn't follow one exact recipe to create these.

Cookie Dough Brownie Bites. yum. Part brownie, part cookie dough that is eggless aka better to eat.  Curt took some to his work, where they were called both "Balls of Love" and "Curt's Love Nuggets".  Well....they are little nuggets/balls of goodness & I did put some love into making them.  Regardless of what you call them...try them, they are delish!

Curt's Love Nuggets
aka Cookie Dough Brownie Bites

Ingredients
-1 box brownie mix & ingredients to prepare
-for Cookie Dough:
     -1/2 c butter, soft
     -3/4 c packed brown sugar
     -1 tsp vanilla
     -2 1/2 c all-purpose flour
     -1 can sweetened condensed milk
    -1/2 c mini chocolate chips
-Milk Chocolate candy coating/melted chocolate chips/melted Hershey bars

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees
-Spray/grease mini muffin tin
-Mix brownie mix according to box
-Fill mini muffin tin with brownie mix- filling cups 3/4 full or so
-Bake 10-15 minutes (until edges are a little crunchy or a toothpick entered comes out clean)
-Remove mini brownies from tin, let cool
     -I placed them all on a large cookie sheet that was covered with wax paper

-Make Cookie Dough-
  -Cream butter & brown sugar until fluffy
  -Beat in vanilla
  -Gradually add flour & milk (I alternate, 1/3 flour, 1/3 milk, 1/3 flour, 1/3 milk, 1/3 flour, 1/3 milk- got it? ha) you may need to add a little more flour if dough is still fairly sticky
  -Stir in chocolate chips
  -Refrigerate dough for ~15 minutes
-Grab a small chunk of dough & roll somewhat into a ball
-Place on top of brownie & kind of smash the cookie dough down, forming a small mound on top, kind of looking like a mushroom
-Melt milk chocolate of some sort (I melted hershey bars...because I had 1/2 package of chips that didn't melt right, and hershey bars were the only thing I had around that was milk chocolate)
-Using a spoon, drop/drip/spread milk chocolate over each little "nugget" of brownie & cookie dough
-Once all nuggets are covered with chocolate, put them in the fridge for awhile (mine- probably 30-45 minutes)

Then ENJOY! yum yum yum.

Brownie Bites

mmm. cookie dough

making little love nuggets

smashing a little cookie dough on top

Add caption

spooning some melted chocolate over the top

kind of an expensive mistake...but tasty!

Love Nuggets! What's not to love?

Cookie Dough Brownie Bites...if ya wanna get technical

Curt says they were "well liked" at work.  In fact, a few people requested I have to make them again this week.  Guess I better get baking!  I must admit though, regardless of what you call them- these are DELISH.  And just one can satisfy your sweet tooth....but if you want a second, I wouldn't deny you!