CELEBRATE!!

This Saturday is my birthday and I have a class full of 20 first graders who are more excited about my upcoming birthday then they are for their own! Every year I make some sort of treat for my class because really, I am always looking for a reason to bake. This year was a bit more challenging with us moving and spending every waking moment packing. ((Okay, I am being a bit dramatic, but sometimes that's what it feels like!)) I decided I would be resourceful and go to the handy dandy cupboard of quick bakes! I generally keep a couple cake mixes on hand, a brownie mix or two, a tub o' frosting and a few other goodies. I settled on yellow cake mix and white frosting because I knew that truly my options were endless. So here is what I had

After I mixed according to the directions on the box, I separated the batter into three separate bowls and started adding food color.

**Oh and side note, these soup spoons are the perfect size for filling cupcake liners!**

Then once that was done I started filling the cupcake tins layering the colors.

Bake, frost and you're done! I don't have a "finished product" picture but trust me, the frosting just didn't compare to the cute cake. That's what I get for using canned frosting!! =)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

Ok, I'm warning you...DON'T MAKE THESE! Seriously, unless you have a large number of people to give them away to, this is not a dessert for the weak! I made these last night for a girls get together today. I began cutting them and there was one that just wasn't "pretty enough" to put on the tray. ((imagine that...a dud!)) So, I cut a sliver off of it, just to TASTE, and immediately I was hooked. Needless to say, that sliver turned in to half, which turned in to 3/4. I left the last little piece on the counter which I'm sure will miraculously disappear someway or another =)

Here's what you need:

A box of brownie mix (any kind will do)

A box or bag of cookie mix

A stick of butter

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream 

a bag of semisweet chocolate chips

First, to make the chocolate chip cookie dough brownie prepare the brownie mix as it says to do so on the box. Next pour into a 13x9 greased pan (and by greased I mean I just sprayed a ridiculous amount of cooking spray . Then, mix up the cookie dough according to the directions on the package. Use a spoon and place spoonfuls of cookie dough right into the brownie mix in the pan. You can use the spoon to press the cookie dough in to the pan a little bit if you'd like. Bake at 350 for about 35 minutes or until the middle is completely set.

Take the brownies out of the oven and allow to cool completely. Once they're cooled you can make the ganache. Ganache sounds all fancy schmancy, but really is very easy. Combine the butter and whipping cream in a small sauce pan over low to medium heat. Cook until right before the mixture begins to boil. Pour your chocolate chips in to a bowl and then you can pour your heated goodness right over the chocolate chips. Give them a minute or so to get acquainted in the bowl before you begin to stir. Mix them until it makes a smooth and shiny. You can then pour the ganache over the brownie and smooth with a spatula. I placed my brownie in the fridge over night. This made it super easy to cut through and plate.

 And here is the finished product. They really should come with a warning label!