Chocolate Caramel Brownies Recipe

If you have read this blog for a bit you know I frequently make brownies, I personally like eating the batter( I know it's bad for you) and then I give the Brownies to family, friends and co-workers. This is a recipe that I found on Pinterest,  there are several out there to include one that is made from scratch and another that uses a baking mix.

Because I was pressed for time I used a mix, and everyone that ate these loved them. The recipe could not get any easier.

Caramel Chocolate Brownies

Adapted from Annie's Eats

Ingredients:

1 Box dark chocolate brownie mix

1 14 oz bag of caramels

1/3 cup of heavy whipping cream

cup of chocolate chips.

Directions:

Spray 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray. Heat oven to 350. Make brownies according to directions on reverse of box. Place half of brownie mixture into pan, bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 20 minutes. In meantime over low heat, place unwrapped caramels and 1/4 cup of whipping cream. Stir until melted. Pour caramels over the cooled brownies. Pour remainder of brownie mix over the caramel. Bake 25-30 minutes. Cool completely and then cut.

In many of the photos on Pinterest as well as Annie's Eats, the caramel is oozing out of the brownies. I did not have that experience. Also, several people mentioned that these brownies were very fudgy, almost raw, again not for me but then again I baked mine longer.

I hope you enjoy and have a great day!!

Linking to:

Faded Charm White Wednesday

Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesday

Ivy and Elephants What's It Wednesday

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

Designs by Gollum

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Inspiration Friday at the Picket Fence

Friday Unfolded at Stuff and Nonsense

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

What Have You Redone at Redoux

Common Ground

Christmas Party Chocolate Dessert Bar

Are you ready for the holidays? Will you be hosting a party? I love to have a dessert bar at all of the party's that I host, that way the guests can try a little of each thing. One of my favorite dessert bars, is a Chocolate Bar. 

At this party, which I think would be great for "Ladies Night Out", a Christmas Party or even a birthday, I made Hershey" Famous Chocolate Cake, Double chocolate cheesecake with fresh raspberries, Snowflake Brownie Bites, several "Cereal Bars" and I also served chocolate candies for those that did not feel like more than a bite. 

All of these recipes are easy and many can be made ahead and frozen and then thawed at a later date to be served at your own party.

In addition to these recipes there are so many easy, home made treats that your guests would love.

You can also purchase items from the bakery and combine with an assortment of holiday chocolates. Or ask your family and friends to each bring their family favorite for all to enjoy. Whatever the case I am sure it will be lovely. 

What sorts of treats have you made for your holiday parties? I would love to hear all about them.

Links desserts above:
 Double Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberries
Hershey's Chocolate Cake and Frosting
Scotcheroos


Linking to the following:

Stone Gable

Ganache 101, Lessons from Martha Stewart

The holidays are a crazy time for everyone, trying to get the presents, wrap, cook, clean, bake, decorate and a myriad of other things. I myself am always looking for shortcuts or simple ideas to save time. In the December issue of Martha Stewart she has a fabulous article title Ganache 101.

Martha explains that with a little chocolate and some heavy whipping cream you have the makings for some delicious and easy but fancy desserts. From these two simple ingredients you can make a frosting, a filling, a glaze, and a truffle.

The Basic Recipe:

Take 8 ounces of quality chocolate and chop into uniform pieces with a serrated knife, place into a bowl. Then take one cup of heavy cream and heat to just a boil. Pour the heavy cream over the chocolate pieces. Let stand for 10 minutes. DO NOT STIR!!!!

Whisk the mixture until smooth and shiny to break any lumps and to emulsify the chocolate and the cream.

Scrape the side and bottom of the bowl to be sure to get all of the mixture incorporated.

To use the ganache:

While its warm you can pour it over a cake as a glaze, you can fill tart shells and make a filling.

At room temperature you can beat the ganache until fluffy and use as a whipped filling or frosting.

And finally once chilled you can use it to make truffles!

All of these are easy and tasty additions to your holiday baking. Do you have any ideas for using ganache? Do you make your own truffles? I would love to hear some of your ideas, please if you would like to share leave your ideas in the comment section.

Have a wonderful day and enjoy your family and friends during this special time of the year. Happy Holidays!