Chocolate Caramel Brownies

I can't think of a better way to get through a challenging week other than making some of the most delicious brownies on Earth. All I can say is that these brownies are ooey, gooey, and delicious and will put a smile on anyone's face!

What You Need

- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
- 12 ounces of semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 11 ounces unwrapped caramel candies (the softer kind)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream

What You Do

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9X13 inch pan.

2. In a medium bowl, melt the butter (1cup) and chopped semi-sweet chocolate (12oz) over a pot of simmering water. Whisk occasionally until the ingredients are melted and then remove from heat.

3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the sugar (1 1/2cups), eggs (4), and vanilla extract (1tbsp) until well combined.

4. Once the butter and chocolate mixture are melted, remove from heat and slowly add it into the sugar mixture and mix until everything is combined. Then add the flour (1 1/4cups) and salt (1/2tsp) until just incorporated.

5. Evenly spread half of the brownie batter into the greased baking pan and bake for 18 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool, and start preparing the caramel mixture...remember to not turn off the oven!

6. For the caramel filling, place the caramel candies (11oz) and heavy cream (1/4cup) in a small bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds and then stir. Repeat this process until mixture is just about melted. Once melted, spread the caramel over the bottom of the brownie layer. Then spread the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer. Lastly, sprinkle with chocolate chips.

7. Bake for an additional 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

8. Lastly...cut up a couple pieces for yourself and a loved one and enjoy this scrumptious dessert!

Original recipe by Six Sisters' Stuff

Strawberry Lemonade Bars

There's been quite a number of 'fake summers' here in Portland recently. For a few days at a time, Portland has been greeted with amazing warm weather and everyone in this town is loving it! I'm definitely among the masses on this one, and taking full advantage of the nice weather by going on bike rides, putting my summer dresses to use, hanging out/running in the park, eating outside, and baking up something totally delicious AND refreshing.

Now you may ask yourself, what kind of dessert is refreshing other than ice cream? Well...I'll tell you...Strawberry Lemonade Bars! They're like lemon bars, but with strawberries added in!

What You'll Need
Crust
-8oz (1 stick) butter
-1/4 cup sugar
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1 cup all-purpose flour

Filling
-1 1/2 cups sugar
-3 egg whites
-1 whole egg
-2/3 cup lemon juice (3 lemons)
-2 tablespoons lemon zest (2 lemons)
-2/3 cup all-purpose flour
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1 1/2 cups strawberries, puréed
-Powdered sugar

What You Do
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8X8 pan.

2. For the crust, cream butter (1stick), sugar (1/4cup), and salt (1/4tsp). Mix in the flour (1cup) until just incorporated.

3. Flour your hands, and press the dough evenly in your 8X8 pan. Place in oven, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.

4. For the filling, whisk together the sugar (1/2cups), egg whites (3), egg (1), lemon juice (2/3cup), lemon zest (2tblsp), flour (2/3 cup), salt (1/4tsp) until incorporated. Then whisk in the strawberries (1 1/2cups). Pour mixture onto crust and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until filling is set. 

5. Let cool completely, and then refrigerate to chill. When ready to serve, dust with as much powdered sugar as your heart desires and cut into squares!

This treat is a fresh take on your regular 'ole lemon bars. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy lemon bars very much, but the strawberries add a perfect amount of sweet to balance out the tart lemon flavor. 

So...if you're enjoying the warm weather wherever you may be, then give this recipe a shot! You won't be sorry!

Crema Coffee and Bakery

An Earthquake Cookie paired with an Iced Honey Vanilla Latte was the perfect accompaniment for a sunny afternoon of reading at Crema Coffee + Bakery!