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?

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:

Why I Love My Husband

This post is part of the Happy Wives Club Blog Tour which I am delighted to be a part of along with hundreds of inspiring bloggers. I did not receive any compensation for this post; I just have an amazing husband who deserves to be praised. To learn more about the Happy Wives Club Blog Tour and join us, CLICK HERE! 

Let me start off by pointing out that I do not like how I look in the picture above. This was after the wedding ceremony and we were taking photos at a beautiful local park. I had not eaten for hours and was starting to get crabby and have a headache. But then there's him. And he makes this picture so worth it.

When I'm at my worst, he's still there. This photo proves it. This year we will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary and every year has come with new challenges, as well as great blessings. Here are just some of the reasons why I'm head-over-heels in love with my husband:

• He makes me laugh. Even when I don't want to and I try to push the giggles away, his efforts almost always win. And I'm glad for that. 
• He absolutely loves family. My husband would rather come home every night and spend time with his wife and son instead of hanging out with friends or gallivanting around town. As a young man the temptation could be there but he is not bothered by it in the least.
• He is a man of integrity. When he makes mistakes, he is honest about it. Even if it's not right away, he has a good conscience and a heart to please God. He also respects me enough to confess any faults and keep that line of communication open.
• He is smarter than me. I'm serious, he really is. I was terrible in school so having a husband who is actually smart and not just pretending like I do is amazing. If I have any questions about history, math or science I can count on my guy for the answers. And if he doesn't know, he legit cares about finding it out. Unlike me.
• He strives to be better. My husband is not satisfied with who he is at the moment, no matter how much I try to encourage him. He is always looking to step higher, go farther and be better. It's admirable and pushes me to be a better version of myself.
• He learns from mistakes. He is not only a man of integrity but when he falls, he knows there is a lesson to be learned and he repents. I've seen him develop into such a wholesome individual and it teaches me not to beat myself up when I make a mistake.
• He takes fatherhood seriously. Not only does he truly adore our son but he knows the value of having a father who is hands-on and involved. He is constantly making sure that he connects as a dad and loves making memories as father/son. He is burdened by men who treat children like objects or trophies and put their desires before the little ones in their lives. He makes every effort to be above that and more.
• He takes love seriously. My husband is very cautious who he opens his heart too. The fact that he has not only opened it to me but has entrusted me with the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of his being is truly a gift. His love is intentional and with purpose. I love him even more knowing that his acts of love stem more from his heart than hopeful emotion. 

I could go on forever but the fact is I love my husband because he pushes me, challenges me and sees me for who I am and who I can become. I can trust my life with him. I can trust my heart with him. I can trust our family with him. Because He trusts God with his life, heart and family.  And when there is unity among a man and His Maker, there is unity among the entire household. Love can abound and grow. We can prosper even in the valley and move mountains even in rainstorms.

My husband is ready to fight any battles that come our way and doesn't mind me as his sidekick. How can I not love a man like that?

Fawn Weaver, the founder of the Happy Wives Club wrote a book about the best marriage secrets the world has to offer. They say the book is like “Eat, Pray, Love meets The 5 Love Languages.” I say the book is inspiring. You can grab a copy HERE.

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 :)