Caramel Toffee Squares

Ok, before I start the recipe let me first address something. I have had a few people tell me that they can't comment on my blog. I can't figure out why. I have checked all my settings (to the best of my knowledge), but everything seems like it is correct. So I can't figure it out. Does anyone have an idea?? But I apologize to you guys that it doesn't work. But I do love hearing from you and I wish that I could figure the comment thing out so that you guys could tell me what you have tried and what you think or any questions.

I have a deep love for squares. I mean really, how can you go wrong with a square. They are good for every occasion or no occasion at all (for example the 2 pan of nanaimo bars I made this weekend and then spent the weekend eating them- no occasion, but perfect).

And these squares are to die for. The shortbread layer is just the right consistency and the carmel layer is so chewy.



Crumble press together:

Flour
Sugar
Butter

Press into a 9X9 pan

Bake at 335 degrees for 15 minutes


In a sauce pan combine;

Butter

Brown sugar

corn syrup

can of sweetened condensed milk

Boil for 5 min.
Remove pot from heat and stir caramel until it thickens.

Pour over crust and sprinkle with chocolate chips

Let cool.

For some reason as with everything I make, I put it in the fridge. If you want them a little more 'melty' leave them on the counter. But for a firmer square, store them in the fridge.

CARAMEL TOFFEE SQUARES

Crust

1 1/4 flour

1/4 sugar

1/2 cup butter

Crumble. Press into a 9X9 pan.

Bake 335 degrees for 15 minutes.

Caramel

1/2 butter

1/2 brown sugar

2 tbsp corn syrup

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Combine in sauce pan. Boil for 5 minutes, stiring constantly. Remove from heat, stir slowly until it thickens.

Pour over crust.

Sprinkle with chocolate chips. (you can choose the amount)

Cool

**Note, if you want a thicker chocolate layer. Melt 2/3 cup (or more) chocolate chips and spread over caramel layer.

Fabric Yo-Yo hair clips

I saw these cute Fabric Yo-yo's here. I fell in love. I wanted to make some. I have a big bag of scrap fabric that I am dying to use. So I went to work.

I made my yo-yo's into hair clips. My lil'G is always being mistaken for a boy (I guess pink clothes and a little pig tail on top is not clear enough for some). So I figured I would have her wear a hair clip everyday. Hopefully no one will make that mistake again.

But as the Make-it-Love-it blog shows, you can use them for anything. So many cute things to make with them. Check out this quilt.

Trace a circle on the wrong side of you fabric. I just used cups or bowls from my kitchen.

You can chose what size of yo-yo you want. Just bear in mind that your yo-yo will end up being a little less than half the size that you trace.

Cut out your circles.

With an iron, press a 1/4 around the edge. (This is the part that takes the longest. I always hate pressing things)

Baste stitch around the edge of the circle, the a needle and thread. (according to the tutorial the smaller your stitch the wider the opening on your yo-yo and vice versa.)

Once you have gone all the way around pull on your thread and it will start to gather.

Once you have pulled the thread tight or to where you want it, tie a knot.

So many cute fabrics.

Now you can chose what you want to make with your yo-yo's

I covered my aligator clips and glued my yo-yo to the clip.

You can embellish them. I added a cute little button.

I just think that these clips are so cute. Something different than the bows or flowers.

NOTE***

After I posted this I noticed that my links aren't working. Here they are.

Yo-Yo's http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2009/02/fabric-yo-yos.html

Quilt http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/pdfs/Bloom_Quilt.pdf

Layered Mint Chocolate Brownies

I know that it has been so long since I have posted. I won't bore with you a million excuses why (all of which are totally valid) ,but life has been happening here. But my first post back is a good one, I promise you that.


So many good things happening all at once with these babies. A layer of brownies, then a layer of icing , and then a layer of chocolate. So much goodness wrapped up in one!

I got this recipe from the "Worldwide Ward Cookbook". As soon as I saw it I knew I had to make it. I have made it several times and it is always a fav.




Mix;
Butter
Cocoa
Sugar



Add;
Eggs, one at a time

Beating well after each one




Stir in
Flour




Pour into a greased 9X13 pan.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. (Make sure that the center is done)

Let cool completely

Mix;

Butter

Powdered sugar

Add;

Milk, add only enough to make a smooth consistency.

Add,

Mint Extract

Green Food Coloring

(You can change the color and the flavoring that you use depending on what you want)

I have actually contemplated doubling this layer, just because it is so good. But I haven't yet.

Spread over brownie layer.

Refrigerate until firm

Melt,

Chocolate Chips

Butter

Stir.

Pour over frosted brownie, spreading to cover.

Refrigerate until topping is set

Oh look at that layer of icing.

Layered Mint Chocolate Brownies

Brownie:

1 cup butter, melted

2/3 cup cocoa powder

2 cup sugar

4 eggs

1 1/2 cup flour

Mix butter, cocoa, and sugar; add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one. Stir in flour. Spread into a greased 9X13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Let cool completely.

Mint Frosting:

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1-3 tbsp milk

1/2 tsp mint extract

green food coloring

Mix butter and powdered sugar. Add only enough milk to make a smooth consistency. Add mint extract and enough food coloring to make a light green color. The frosting will be thick. Spread over brownie layer. Refrigerate until firm.

Chocolate Topping:

1 1/2 chocolate chips

1/2 cup butter

Melt chips and butter in micorwave to 2-3 minutes. Stir well to combine. Pour over frosted layer and spread to cover completely. Refrigerate until topping is set and hardened.

Let brownies sit at room tempurature for 10 mionutes before cutting. Cut with a sharp knife.