Valentine’s Day – Page 4

February 7, 2011February 3, 2012

Crocheted Valentine Garland

I found the pattern for this adorable Crocheted Valentine Garland a few years back, over at Skip To My Lou and just knew that I had to make them. Turns out that by the time the Superbowl was over—and all the new cars were given away to the millionaire quarterbacks–I had a cute little stack of pink and purple hearts–smaller than the palm of my hand– just waiting to be strung together.

It was fun. It was fast. It was totally Valentine-y.

I hope you’ll give these little cuties a try some evening, with your pink, purple, red and white yarn scraps. I used Peaches and Cream cotton–because I love it, and a G hook. But you could make them small and delicate with crochet thread, or thick and bulky with T-shirt yarn.

And now—to find the perfect spot to hang my pretty, pink little sweet hearts.

Hmmmm…maybe the boys’ room. That would be a nice surprise. HA!

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Thanks so much for all the love and support we’ve received with Dane’s Charity Water Birthday. The campaign officially runs until March 31, 2011. So far, we’ve reached over $800–which will provide clean drinking water for 44 people–for LIFE! Who says regular folks can’t change the world? :}

February 2, 2011January 26, 2022

Marshmallow Brownie Bars

When my boy tasted these–this afternoon, he said, “I’m really mad at you right now.” Apparently, these chocolaty, marshmallowy, crispy things were threatening to mess with his, “I will get in better shape,” mantra. Oops.

My bad.

Here’s what I say. If he’s so dreadfully mad at me then why did he walk out of the kitchen licking the spoon muttering something about…”manna from Heaven?” Hmmm?

Marshmallow Brownie Bars

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/3 cups flour
3 tablespoon cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
4 cups fresh miniature marshmallows

TOPPING:
1-1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter
3 tablespoons butter
2 cups crisp rice cereal

Directions

~In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.

~ Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts if desired. Spread in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.

~Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes. Sprinkle with marshmallows; bake 2-3 minutes longer. Remove to a wire rack. Using a knife dipped in water, spread the melted marshmallows evenly over top. Cool completely.

~For topping, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a small saucepan. Cook and stir over low heat until blended. Remove from the heat; stir in cereal. Spread over bars immediately. Chill.

Original recipe was found at Taste of Home.com

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Join Dane’s Charity Water Campaign

Marshmallow Brownie Bars

Ingredients

¾ cup butter
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/3 cups flour
3 tablespoon cocoa
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
4 cups fresh miniature marshmallows
TOPPING:
1-1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter
3 tablespoons butter
2 cups crisp rice cereal

Instructions

In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.
Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture.
Stir in nuts if desired.
Spread in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.
Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes.
Sprinkle with marshmallows; bake 2-3 minutes longer.
Remove to a wire rack.
Using a knife dipped in water, spread the melted marshmallows evenly over top. Cool completely.
For topping, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a small saucepan.
Cook and stir over low heat until blended.
Remove from the heat; stir in cereal.
Spread over bars immediately.
Chill.