Gooey-Love Brownie Pie {Recipe}

I love how the majority of my recipe posts start with me explaining how what I made was an accident. Isn't that what cooking/baking is? Just a bunch of happy little accidents in the kitchen and then someone's like "Hey, that actually taste good!" So they stick a fancy name on it, write down what they did and boom. History was made.

The thing about this brownie pie is there is nothing accidental about the love between chocolate and peanut butter. That was a match made in Heaven by the hand of God Himself. With so many desserts out there marrying these two crazy delicious kids, I had to do something to change things up.

The base is a yummy fluffy homemade brownie. That's right, no box mix here! Making your own brownie mix isn't that difficult and it tastes better than any store brand. I'm so glad I came across Sheryl's recipe on her blog, Lady Behind the Curtain. As always, I changed up the recipe a bit to make it my own but used hers as the perfect starting point. Then layered on top is a gooey-creamy peanut butter mixture with a secret ingredient. But it won't be a secret any longer. Just keep reading.

What you'll need:

• 1/2 cup of butter
• 2 ounces baking cocoa
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten 
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 can/14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Fruit, sprinkles, candy, any topping you'd like!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a round 9x1.4 inch pan. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, cocoa and sugar on low for about 2-3 minutes or until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the flour until smooth. Add eggs and beat until smooth. Spread evenly in pan and bake for about 15 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let sit for 1 minute in pan then move to a baking rack to cool completely.

For the topping, melt the peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Combine with condensed milk and stir. Spread graciously on top of the brownie pie and garnish with your favorite toppings. This peanut butter mixture makes a lot, I used about half for the brownie pie but the rest can be used on ice cream, cookies or cake.

What a perfect after dinner treat! My husband's sweet tooth was acting up and he requested something with peanut butter and chocolate. Usually we make Puppy Chow but I wanted to do something different yet still quick and tasty. I was actually surprised how fast I made this and how good it was! Whenever I try a new recipe, it usually takes a while of me sorting everything out and wrapping my brain around what to do. This Gooey-Love Brownie Pie will definitely be on the list of my go-to easy desserts.

Are you planning on making anything yummy for your honey for Valentine's Day?

Kid Craft: Valentine Bird Feeder Mobile

Yay, happy Friday beauties!!
I still love Fridays even though I stay at home with my boy. There is just something about the day before the weekend that is exciting, no matter if you go to school, stay home, work at home or go to work. The sun is shining too which always puts a little pep in my step!

Today I'm sharing with you a lovely craft David and I did last week. It's super cute, fun and kind of messy. Which actually surprised me but that's probably because I don't have much experience making bird feeders. This activity taught me a lot about how to handle projects with sticky materials and little grabby hands.

The photo above highlights what you will need but I did use string instead of the red ribbon in the end. It's fairly easy though and there are lots of aspects that encourage children to use their senses. Colorful scrap fabric draws the attention of the eyes. Amazing textures like hard bark on the twig, rough paper and silky ribbon or rope. The smell of mixed trail mix and sap on the pine cones. Don't forget the peanut butter! Of course, they have to taste it first before crafting. It's like the unspoken rule of having peanut butter around.

Here's what you'll need:
- Scraps of fabric
- Twig
- 2-4 pine cones
- Bag of trail mix
- Peanut butter
- Ribbon or string
- Red paper
- Scissors
- Tape

First, I let David take a large spoon and break up the trail mix a little. He had fun pounding the bag and was very intrigued with looking at the contents, squishing the bag in his hands. While your kiddo is busy doing that, tie the string to the top of the pine cones and scoop out some peanut butter on a paper plate. I don't have pictures of the process because I try to enjoy the moment. Plus the added pressure to take pictures, for me, takes away some of the interactive fun between my son and I.

Next, let them roll the pine cones in the peanut butter and either dip them into the bag or dump the trail mix on a paper plate and roll the pine cones in it. The smaller the trail mix pieces, the better! While they are doing that, cut out a few small heart shaped pieces from the red paper.

Then, have them wrap the scrap fabric around the twig or help them do it. This part David loved (besides eating the peanut butter) because he liked holding the twig and watching me spin the fabric around it. He also would spin the twig while I held the fabric still. Tie the ends of the fabric to the twig. We did a few different kinds of fabric, inter-lapping and weaving them. Be creative!

Lastly, tie pieces of string to the twig and tape the hearts to it. I used tape because I didn't want to fuss with glue on top of the peanut butter; that would've been a yucky surprise should David think it was a snack! He did like helping me tape the hearts to the string. Next time though, we will use glue or a double stick tape. Attach two long piece of string on either sides of the twig to be used for hanging.

Finish the mobile off by attaching the pine cones and wala! Time to hang and watch the birds flock! Or in our case, witness the calculated destruction our neighborhood squirrels provoked as they demolished our beautiful masterpiece and stole those luscious pine cones.

In the end, it really wasn't about feeding the birds anyway. This craft is a fun, interactive learning tool for any child at any age. Plus adding hearts helps it become all Valentine-y and stuff. Personalize it to your kiddo and go at it! Just make sure you have extra peanut butter and nuts for your little sweetheart.

Have you been doing any Valentine themed kiddo crafts lately? Honestly, I hardly ever do themed crafts geared towards the Holidays but I felt led this time. Check out these mini hearts and arrows pancakes David helped me create as a perfect Valentine breakfast for kids that morning!

Mini Hearts & Arrows Pancakes

It's the month where we celebrate love and showering the people we care about with candy hearts, sappy cards and breakfast in bed. I thought of this cute idea for moms with little ones who might want to make that Valentine's Day morning something special and sweet.

So I give you mini Hearts & Arrows Pancakes! How adorable, right? These little darlings will put a smile on any child's face. Plus, they are small enough to hold one in each hand, which David loves to do!

Here's what you'll need:

•  Pancake mix
•  Strawberries, chopped, fresh or frozen (thawed)
•  Sprinkles
•  Heart-shaped cookie cutter
•  Toothpicks
•  Cardstock (any color you'd like)
•  Sharpie
•  Scissors

Mix the pancake batter the way you normally do. In a small bowl, warm up the chopped strawberries in the microwave for about 30 seconds and then blend them in a blender. Add the strawberry mix to the pancake batter and stir. Pour the batter in a large heated and greased pan, adding a handful of sprinkles on top of the batter. Cook/flip the pancakes until done. Set aside on a plate to cool.

As the pancake is cooling, take the sharpie and draw a feather template for the arrow. It's okay if it's not perfect, any imperfections will just add to the whimsical factor of this project. Cut out the feather template and use it as a stencil to create more (if you wish.) I made just two; one in a metallic magenta and the other in a lovely vintage light-blue. Using the scissors, cut two small holes in the center. (See the photo above for placement suggestion.)

Then slip in your toothpick and you've got some cute mini arrows! Now that the pancake is cool, use the heart-shaped cookie cutter. My pancake was kind of spongy so I really had to press down with the cutter and peel away the outside pancake. Pierce the hearts with the arrows and arrange them however you feel your little ones would love!

This adorable illustrated vintage jug is available in the shop right here!

This would be a great activity for toddlers or older children. If you have a tot, you could have them help with mixing the batter like David helped me. Just be prepared to lose a few strawberries to hungry hands :) They also could help cut out the heart shapes. Older kiddos would probably love mixing too, adding the sprinkles, cutting out the hearts and assembling the arrows (just watch out for the pointy toothpicks.) Make it fun and interactive! The memories will be sure to last longer than this yummy treat. Sharing here:

Cupid's Cinnamon & Sea Salt Fudge Dip

You know how mistakes can usually make us feel like a total failure?

I just made the most delicious mistake ever! Would you like to know how? Well, I was folding laundry the other day while watching the cooking channel (as usual) when the gorgeous Giada came on. She started talking about all this yummy food for football season and then mentioned something else, blah blah blah then fudge...whoooaaahhh hold up! Did she just say fudge?!

I've never made fudge before but it is one of my man's favorite treats, so my ears perked up. Quickly jotting down the ingredients and instructions on my tablet, my brain started erupting with fireworks. Uh I have almost everything on this list!! Sorry, laundry. There is fudge to be had. Or so I thought...

Now this link will take you to the recipe if you want real fudge and not a dip. It's from Giada's page on Food Network. I had gathered all of the ingredients together and realized I didn't have condensed milk. Ah! Oh wait, I have evaporated milk and can just melt sugar into it. Problem solved. (Maybe?) I was so determined to make fudge that when I heard my son wake up from naptime, I just tossed everything into a pan and mixed it together. Wrong! I was so wrong. (Or was I?)

Obviously my mistake ruined the consistency for fudge. I found that out after four hours in the refrigerator and the chocolate was still a liquid. Liquid? Fudge dip! And the rest was history. I immediately thought how perfect this delicious blend of cinnamon and sea salt would be as a Valentine's Day treat with your loved one, enjoyed with some fresh strawberries. The milk chocolate is so creamy and the mix of salty/sweet will make your taste buds fall in love with you.

Here's what you'll need:

• One can condensed milk (or evaporated milk, heated and mixed with 1 1/4 cup sugar)
• 2.5 cups Milk chocolate chips
• 3 tbsp Butter, room temperature
• 2 tsp Cinnamon (any more will over power in taste)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract 
• 1-2 tsp sea salt, to taste

Stir ingredients in a medium saucepan. Spray an 8x8 inch baking dish then pour the fudge mixture, sprinkled salt and placed in fridge for about two hours (until chilled.) Serve with fresh strawberries (or other fruit), graham crackers, pretzels, whatever your little heart desires! You can even separate some in another dish and place in the microwave for 15 seconds to serve as a warm fudge dip or sauce over ice cream or pie.

Does your spouse have a favorite dessert? Do you usually create anything special for them on Valentine's Day?

Happy Day {Coupon Code & Announcement!}

Happy Valentine's Day, ABJ Lovers! 

I've been missing you guys something fierce...sooooo, my gift to you is that I'm coming back & it will be better than ever! The ABJ Blog is getting a makeover, same name, just more awesome {is that possible?!} 

This past month of no social media and no blogging really gave me an amazing perspective. I've been in constant prayer about this little space and I have to say, I didn't think the Lord cared that I loved blogging or wanted to even have me come back. However, it is amazing what can happen when we just put our ENTIRE plan in His hands and trust in His ways...He takes what we desire and makes something beautiful!

So, I've gotten the green light to start a new, fresh blog...whoa, I am SO excited :) The posts will be thought-provoking, full of heart and inspiration. After all, art isn't just paper and paint...it is passion. That will be the new angle of Art By Jacy...passionate art and writing for your heart. What do you think? Are you excited for me to come back, full force? I know I've taken you guys through rollercoaster rides over these couple of years, being so on and off, taking breaks etc...but can I tell you something? It all has been leading up to THIS moment!!

An official launch date will be revealed soon, but for now, enjoy this coupon code for 14% off of your ABJ order today. Use "LOVE14" http://artbyjacy.storenvy.com/

Thanks for sticking by me and tolerating my craziness. Stay tuned and hold tight during the next month or so as I gather some incredible content and make this blog over! You will notice design changes and such, so if you have any suggestions or feedback, leave me a comment or shoot me an email at my new email address, jacy@artbyjacy.com

Gah, God is good, don't ever forget that!! xoxo

 

 

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies {Recipe}

Pin It One word...WOW!!

Strapped for cash and too pregnant to want to go to the stores for Valentines Day (crowds *cringe*) 

I decided the best gift for my hardworking husband was a nice desert.

He is not picky and loves sweets (especially if I experiment, then he's my taste tester hehe)

I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to make, until I saw this post from Sweet Pea's Kitchen through Pinterest.

Funny thing, sweet pea is actually my aunt's nickname for me! but that's not why I chose this desert...

it just looked amazing and I NEEDED to make them!!

Pin It

It was actually super easy and fun to do.

Here is the recipe with my own highlighted notes in case you care :)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2-oz dark chocolate, coarsely chopped *I used milk chocolate chips, 2-oz*
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp red food coloring
• 2/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 8-oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 8 inch metal baking pan (I used an 8" glass dish, worked well). Put a long piece of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan, letting the parchment extend up two sides of the pan and overhang slightly on both ends. (This will make it easy to remove the bars from the pan after they have baked.) Butter the parchment. (Foil will also work just fine, but spray it with a cooking or baking spray.)
2. In a small, heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate together. Stir until combined and very smooth. Set aside to cool for a few minutes. (I threw it in the micromave to melt and it was good. I wasn't patient enough!)
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and red food coloring. Add chocolate mixture and stir until smooth. Add flour and salt and stir until just combined and no streaks of dry ingredients remain. (You can add another 1/2 tsp of coloring if you want it more vibrant.)
4. Pour into prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
5.  To prepare cheesecake mixture, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. Distribute the cheesecake mixture in 8 dollops over batter in the pan. Swirl in with a knife or spatula. (Knife worked way better for me!)
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until brownies and cheesecake are set. A knife (or toothpick) inserted into the cheesecake mixture should come out clean and the edges will be lightly browned.
7. Let cool completely in pan on a cooling rack before lifting out the parchment paper to remove the brownies.
8.  Cut into squares and serve!!

My little ghetto desert setup hehe 

The husband loved it :)