Peep S'mores

It seems like the holidays come earlier and earlier every year, which is kind of depressing when the stores are rushing me through life! I kind of prefer a leisurely pace. But I would never hold it against our dear retailers for rushing to get those brightly colored Easter Peeps on the shelves!

I know, some of you are rolling your eyes and wondering how in the world I could love something that is basically an animal-shaped piece of sugar coated in neon sugar with eyeballs. I ask you, how could you not?! But if you're going to hold onto your Peep-hatred, just think of the children! Would it really be Easter for them without a small overdose of sugary goodness? I think not.

Happy Easter!

Peep S'mores [click to print]
Makes 6-7 individual servings

• 1 pkg mini graham cracker crusts (I used Keebler Ready Crust Minis)
• 1 brownie recipe (the kind for an 8" or 9" pan)
• 12-14 mini Hershey bars
• 6-7 Peeps

1) Prepare brownie batter and preheat oven as instructed in recipe or on box/pouch. Scoop about 3 Tablespoons of batter into each crust and bake for 18-22 minutes. Note, time will vary based on recipe used, so stick a toothpick in the center to check doneness and when it comes out clean, you're good!

2) Lay two mini chocolate bars across top of mini brownie and allow chocolate to melt. If the brownies are too cool to melt the chocolate, place them in a warm oven for 2 or 3 minutes until the chocolate is shiny and soft. 

3) Top chocolate with a Peep and serve warm! Or cold, they're still fudgy and rich and delicious the next day...if they last that long! 

Peep Brownie S'mores

I know Easter is about far more than pastel colors and plastic eggs and sugar covered sugar treats, but when I see those Peeps on the shelf, I know it's Easter in America! And while I'm admitting my shame, I'll tell you like it is: I'm an eye-eater. Bite off those beady little eyes and then nibble off the tail. After that, it doesn't really matter if you inhale the entire body in a single bite because those Peeps have been reduced to a sugary marshmallow blob at that point.

These sugar-laden bars are basically upgraded s'mores. Normal s'mores, as any normal person can attest, are pure deliciousness served on a crunchy bed of graham cracker. Now look at that graham crackery, chocolatey, Peepy goodness! I dare say that these s'more are just a little more exciting with their neon animal-shaped counterpart sitting atop a dense brownie and graham cracker crust.

The only bad thing is their eyes kind of melt away during the baking. But it's totally worth it.

Peep S'mores [click to print]
Makes about 20 squares


For Graham Cracker Crust

• 1-1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs (about 1 sleeve graham crackers, crushed)
• 1/3 c. sugar
• 6 T. unsalted butter, melted

Preheat oven to 375 F. Line 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside. 

Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix until evenly combined. Press mixture into pan with the back of a spoon and bake for 7 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce heat to 325 F. 

For Brownie Layer

• 10 T. unsalted butter
• 1-1/4 c. sugar
• 3/4 c. plus 2 T. cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, cold
• 1/2 c. flour
• 20 Peeps

In medium saucepan, combine butter, sugar, cocoa and salt. Stir on low heat until butter is melted and mixture is hot, but not boiling. You should be able to stick your finger in it (and lick it) and not cry. It's going to look kind of grainy and that's okay.

Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Beat in eggs, one at a time, incorporating well between each addition. Stir in flour; when combined, stir vigorously about 40 strokes. Pour batter over crust and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and gently press peeps on surface, about one peep every two inches. Return to oven and continue baking about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool just enough to eat while still warm.

Source: Inspired by Busy Mommy; Crust adapted from Make and Takes; Brownies adapted from Sis Boom Blog

Sweet 16: Glitter and Sparkles!

In honor of our sparkly New Year, this week's photo roundup is everything with glitter and sparkles!

Row 1: Sparkly Spice Bites, Valentine Cupcake Pops, White Snowball Sprinkles, Gold S'mores

Row 2: Valentine's Day Truffles, Gooey Vanilla Sparkle Cookies, Sparkly Pear, Sparkly Red Velvet Brownie Bites

Row 3: Glitter Cake Pops, Sweetheart Sugar Cookies, Super Sugar Sparkle Cookies, Shiny Black Cats

Row 4: Sparkly Peppermint Macarons, Persimmon Rice Pudding, Rock Candy Trees, Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches