Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wow What a Week and it isn't over yet
It was crazy time here, my two grandsons (11-13) came to stay, unexpectedly, for 3 days. We had events scheduled one right on top of the other, in the middle I get a call from the school....101 fever and needs picked up immediately...panic calls and finally got a ride, the event was very slow and generally a waste of time, but on to the next, had to pick up child 2 at school, go to the grocery. (Didn't know my little Pontiac could hold so much stuff and 3 people...amazing!!), change inventory and then off to event number 2. We had to split up because I also had a client for computer training, dropped 1/2 group off, took off to my clients house....back to the mall to pick up my Chocolatiers, on the way home phone rings....they forgot books....U TURN...back to the mall, finally get home to find out grandson 1 has developed a cough to go with the fever....back in the car and off to the drugstore. Finally dropped into bed at 11:30....I AM TOO OLD FOR ALL OF THIS! This morning had to be at the Dr's office at 8:00 for blood work...regular nurse took the day off (I may never speak to her again.) The replacement just couldn't seem to hit a vein.....2 tries later and in my hand finally BLOOD. Granny was not feeling well, had to deal with her.....Boys finally just got picked up at 9:15 and I am going to bed. Tomorrow is another full day. At least Amy sold a big cable package so today isn't a total loss....Good for her!! GOOD NIGHT
Monday, September 21, 2009
Customer Service
If you have ever wondered how important customer service can be to the success of your business let me cite an example. Amy sold a customer last week and as a requirement they needed to have ground plugs put in before installation....they forgot and when the installer came to put in the ATT UVerse he couldn't finish the install. As a consequence someone messed up and they were without phone and internet all weekend. The customer called Amy this morning, upset because they couldn't use either service. Amy jumped on her white horse (the telephone) and worked with ATT and the customer to come up with a solution. She spent most of the morning going up the chain and getting as good a resolution as possible. She wasn't sure the customer was totally satisfied, but she did everything she could do.
As she was leaving to start her evening she received a call from the customer asking her if she could come by the house, without asking why Amy said Yes and drove immediately to her home to get the ....NEWS??? Upon arrival she found the neighbors waiting for her and with the current customers referral she was able to sign the neighbor to begin ATT UVerse. They only reason she received the referral was because of the great customer service she gave to the customer in resolving her issues. They didn't tell her why they wanted her to come to their house, but admitted it was a final test of her dedication to great customer service and she passed with flying colors. So the next time you get someone with a problem, don't brush them off, give them the best service you can and maybe you too will reap the benefits of a satisfied customer.
As she was leaving to start her evening she received a call from the customer asking her if she could come by the house, without asking why Amy said Yes and drove immediately to her home to get the ....NEWS??? Upon arrival she found the neighbors waiting for her and with the current customers referral she was able to sign the neighbor to begin ATT UVerse. They only reason she received the referral was because of the great customer service she gave to the customer in resolving her issues. They didn't tell her why they wanted her to come to their house, but admitted it was a final test of her dedication to great customer service and she passed with flying colors. So the next time you get someone with a problem, don't brush them off, give them the best service you can and maybe you too will reap the benefits of a satisfied customer.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Another Yummy Recipe
Found this on another blog and wanted to pass it on. It sounds fabulous if you love chocolate and peanut butter (and who doesn't)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Recipe
It’s easy to make your own gourmet chocolate peanut butter at home. Put it in a fancy jar, and it’s great for gifts, bake sales, or fund-raisers.
Ingredients:
•1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
•1-1/2 cups smooth peanut butter
•1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
•1/4 cup confectioners sugar
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
•1 teaspoon hot water
Directions:
Melt chocolate chips (preferably Dove Chocolate Baking Bits) in a double-boiler or in the microwave until smooth. Take care not to scorch the chocolate. Let cool until barely warm, but still liquid.
Scrape melted chocolate into a large bowl. Add peanut butter, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Mix instant coffee with hot water until completely dissolved. Add coffee to the chocolate peanut butter mixture until combined.
Scrape into glass jars with tight seals. Serve as a spread with cookies, crackers, or toast or use as a filling for cakes.
Pretty jars of chocolate peanut butter make great gifts for any occasion and also work well for bake sales and other fund-raisers.
Yield: About 2 cups peanut butter
Chocolate Peanut Butter Recipe
It’s easy to make your own gourmet chocolate peanut butter at home. Put it in a fancy jar, and it’s great for gifts, bake sales, or fund-raisers.
Ingredients:
•1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
•1-1/2 cups smooth peanut butter
•1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
•1/4 cup confectioners sugar
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
•1 teaspoon hot water
Directions:
Melt chocolate chips (preferably Dove Chocolate Baking Bits) in a double-boiler or in the microwave until smooth. Take care not to scorch the chocolate. Let cool until barely warm, but still liquid.
Scrape melted chocolate into a large bowl. Add peanut butter, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Mix instant coffee with hot water until completely dissolved. Add coffee to the chocolate peanut butter mixture until combined.
Scrape into glass jars with tight seals. Serve as a spread with cookies, crackers, or toast or use as a filling for cakes.
Pretty jars of chocolate peanut butter make great gifts for any occasion and also work well for bake sales and other fund-raisers.
Yield: About 2 cups peanut butter
Friday, September 11, 2009
CHOCOLATE OPPORTUNITY
I know I am shouting, but this is such a great opportunity that I just have to shout.
Dove Chocolate Discoveries has just announced that anyone who wants to lauch their own Chocolate Business during September and October has the opportunity to join as a Chocolatier at a very special price for the chocolatier kits.
For only $99.00 (plus $20 shipping) for the basic kit, you can become Dayton's newest Chocolatier. That is a savings of $50.00. What you receive is everything you will need....chocolate products and supplies ....for your first 4 Gourmet Chocolate Tasting parties.
This is a chance to be in business for yourself...but not by yourself. Dayton Chocolatiers will provide you lots of support and guidance showing you how chocolate is such an easy delicious sell that you can't resist being a winner.
Check this great opportunity out on our website at www.dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/daytonchocolatiers or just contact us at sweetrewards@daytonchocolatiers.com.
I know the economy is this area is terrible but people will always find a way to have a little chocolate.
If you love the taste of sweet and salty you have got to try the new Sea Salt Chocolate Caramels that are new for fall. They are so awesome, they can make you cry.
Join Us today and have a party every day.
Dove Chocolate Discoveries has just announced that anyone who wants to lauch their own Chocolate Business during September and October has the opportunity to join as a Chocolatier at a very special price for the chocolatier kits.
For only $99.00 (plus $20 shipping) for the basic kit, you can become Dayton's newest Chocolatier. That is a savings of $50.00. What you receive is everything you will need....chocolate products and supplies ....for your first 4 Gourmet Chocolate Tasting parties.
This is a chance to be in business for yourself...but not by yourself. Dayton Chocolatiers will provide you lots of support and guidance showing you how chocolate is such an easy delicious sell that you can't resist being a winner.
Check this great opportunity out on our website at www.dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/daytonchocolatiers or just contact us at sweetrewards@daytonchocolatiers.com.
I know the economy is this area is terrible but people will always find a way to have a little chocolate.
If you love the taste of sweet and salty you have got to try the new Sea Salt Chocolate Caramels that are new for fall. They are so awesome, they can make you cry.
Join Us today and have a party every day.
Ammendment to Tomato Soup Recipe
After some consideration I may make a change or two to the recipe I posted yesterday for Fresh Tomato Soup.
you might want to very thinly slice a onion and carmelize it in the olive oil, before you put in the tomatoes. The onion should almost dissapear as the soup cooks, but when you blend it you will never see the onion.
Also you might also want to add 1 tablespoon of honey to counter some of the acidity of the tomatoes.
It is good without these changes, but you can always make it better
you might want to very thinly slice a onion and carmelize it in the olive oil, before you put in the tomatoes. The onion should almost dissapear as the soup cooks, but when you blend it you will never see the onion.
Also you might also want to add 1 tablespoon of honey to counter some of the acidity of the tomatoes.
It is good without these changes, but you can always make it better
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Himalayan Salt is so good
note: this is one of the salts used on our Dove Sea Salted Caramels, I saw this article and found it very interesting.
Imagine the purest salt being deposited in its most natural state.
Much purer than sea salt, Himalayan pink salt combines sublime flavor from the ancient sea with rich minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron. This marine fossil salt, harvested from the foothills of the Himalayas, is 100% natural, unrefined and unpolluted pink, translucent crystals. Its subtle, crunchy texture, raw or cooked, makes a unique and delightful addition to any savory fare.
Himalayan Salt History
Since ancient times, salt has been the principal source of income for people living in those remote regions. Because food preserved in salt retains its nutritional properties for several months, Himalayan people use it to keep fish and meat all year long. They also use it as a currency in trading. For centuries, once a year in springtime, the Himalayan people have been transporting the salt to the Nepalese valleys for trade. Heavily burdened yaks carry the salt, traveling along narrow sloping paths, often these paths have been carved in cliffs. Once they have arrived at their destination, the salt is traded for cereals, which is the staple of the diet for these Himalayan salt traders. It is easy to understand why salt has always been so precious for mankind.
Imagine the purest salt being deposited in its most natural state.
Much purer than sea salt, Himalayan pink salt combines sublime flavor from the ancient sea with rich minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron. This marine fossil salt, harvested from the foothills of the Himalayas, is 100% natural, unrefined and unpolluted pink, translucent crystals. Its subtle, crunchy texture, raw or cooked, makes a unique and delightful addition to any savory fare.
Himalayan Salt History
Since ancient times, salt has been the principal source of income for people living in those remote regions. Because food preserved in salt retains its nutritional properties for several months, Himalayan people use it to keep fish and meat all year long. They also use it as a currency in trading. For centuries, once a year in springtime, the Himalayan people have been transporting the salt to the Nepalese valleys for trade. Heavily burdened yaks carry the salt, traveling along narrow sloping paths, often these paths have been carved in cliffs. Once they have arrived at their destination, the salt is traded for cereals, which is the staple of the diet for these Himalayan salt traders. It is easy to understand why salt has always been so precious for mankind.
Tomatoes taking over your kitchen???
I have one tomato plant but a bounty of delicious tomatos. So I decided to try something new.
I took 4 medium tomatos, scalded them so I could remove the peels
I then cut them into 1/8 pieces
Heat 3 Tbsps. of good olive oil in sauce pan
Add the cut up tomatos
Add 1/4 Cup of Chopped Basil Fresh (less if you are using dried basil)
Cooked them until the tomatos were mushy and easy to break apart. (about 5 minutes)
Pour the tomatos into a blender or food processor and pureed the mixture until it is smooth.
Return mixture to the original saucepan
Season to taste with salt and pepper
Stir in 4 tsps butter and let melt (makes the soup glossy and delicious)
VARIATIONS:
You can serve this soup hot with fresh basil sprinkled on top
You can serve it hot, warm, cool or cold
You can add a piece of fresh mozorella cheese to the warm soup
For a cream soup, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream to the warm or cold soup
Add some crispy bread or a grilled cheese sandwich and it makes a delicious meal
Takes less that 15 minutes to make the soup
Serves 2 generous portions or 4 cups of soup with the sandwich and your tomatos didn't go to waste.
I hope you enjoy this homemade version, it is much better than canned tomato soup
I took 4 medium tomatos, scalded them so I could remove the peels
I then cut them into 1/8 pieces
Heat 3 Tbsps. of good olive oil in sauce pan
Add the cut up tomatos
Add 1/4 Cup of Chopped Basil Fresh (less if you are using dried basil)
Cooked them until the tomatos were mushy and easy to break apart. (about 5 minutes)
Pour the tomatos into a blender or food processor and pureed the mixture until it is smooth.
Return mixture to the original saucepan
Season to taste with salt and pepper
Stir in 4 tsps butter and let melt (makes the soup glossy and delicious)
VARIATIONS:
You can serve this soup hot with fresh basil sprinkled on top
You can serve it hot, warm, cool or cold
You can add a piece of fresh mozorella cheese to the warm soup
For a cream soup, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream to the warm or cold soup
Add some crispy bread or a grilled cheese sandwich and it makes a delicious meal
Takes less that 15 minutes to make the soup
Serves 2 generous portions or 4 cups of soup with the sandwich and your tomatos didn't go to waste.
I hope you enjoy this homemade version, it is much better than canned tomato soup
TEST
Please ignore the word TEST in my blog, I don't know how I got it on there and I don't know how to take it off.
SORRY
SORRY
Sunday, September 6, 2009
You really have to try these, the recipe comes from Australia and is awesome
Salted White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
This may seem to be an unusual recipe because it takes traditional cookie goodness such as oats, sugar and white chocolate, and combines it with a touch of salt. Not so unusual, when you consider the popularity of fleur de sel caramels and salted caramel sauce. These salted white chocolate oatmeal cookies are absolutely wonderful. They have a crunchy texture that is at odds with its chewy-looking exterior. Plus that hint of salt, you have to love them.
Note: The original recipe says it will make 24, but you may get more and that is fine, in fact that is great.
The original recipe is from SmittenKitchen.com .
Salted White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose (plain) flour
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon table salt
14 tablespoons unsalted butter, slightly
softened
1 cup sugar
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups rolled oats (You can use quick oats)
6 ounces Dove Chocolate Discoveries
white chocolate, chopped
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (like Maldon or fleur
de sel), for sprinkling on top
Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and table salt into a medium bowl.
3. Beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Scrape down bowl with rubber spatula, then add egg and vanilla and beat until incorporated. Scrape down bowl again. Add flour mixture gradually and mix until just incorporated and smooth. Gradually add oats and white chocolate and mix until well incorporated.
4. Roll about 2 tablespoons of the dough into balls, then place on lined baking sheets about 2 ½ inches (6cm) apart. Using fingertips, gently press down each ball to about ¾-inch (1.8cm) thickness.
5. Sprinkle a flake or two of sea salt on each cookie (Sprinkled more if you really like salt!)
6. Bake until cookies are deep golden brown, about 13 to 16 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool.
Store in an airtight container
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Business takes a stand against animal cruelty
Hi All,
I thought I'd pass this along. I got this from a member of the local dog training club.
Dicks Sporting Goods has made the decision not to sell shirts with Michael Vick's Number on them. Please call to thank them at 1.877.846.9997. Dial 3 and speak with a representative or dial 2 and then 0 and thank the operator. They are keeping track of the calls made and will make the number public at a later date. I called and it is true. I spoke with the rep and he thanked me for calling to support them in this endeavor.
They are the ones who need thanked for taking a stand against the actions of this man against not only his dogs but all animals.
Support Dicks Sporting Goods any way you can.
I thought I'd pass this along. I got this from a member of the local dog training club.
Dicks Sporting Goods has made the decision not to sell shirts with Michael Vick's Number on them. Please call to thank them at 1.877.846.9997. Dial 3 and speak with a representative or dial 2 and then 0 and thank the operator. They are keeping track of the calls made and will make the number public at a later date. I called and it is true. I spoke with the rep and he thanked me for calling to support them in this endeavor.
They are the ones who need thanked for taking a stand against the actions of this man against not only his dogs but all animals.
Support Dicks Sporting Goods any way you can.
Friday, September 4, 2009
You Just Never Know..Always be prepared!
I took my new car in to service today and on a whim pulled out a Dove Chocolate Catalog and gave it to my Service Advisor, she was so excited and wants to book a party or two. You just never know when you will hit someones hot spot and have the opportunity to show off the great products from Dove Chocolate Discoveries. During the conversation I also found out the other Service Advisor is looking for a puppy and I just happened to know about a puppy who needs a new happy home. Hooked them up and hopefully both will find what they want in each other.
I don't really know what I am more passionate about....my chocolate or my puppies health with Blue Buffalo foods. It is hard to not talk about all of my projects at one time, but then I think I would lose my audiences really fast, so I do try to filter myself.
But since my puppies can't have chocolate and I don't think I want to eat their Blue dog food it seems like a match made in Heaven.
The weekend looms and I have to be at PS Beavercreek in the morning and Huber on Sunday, sometimes it is hard to get there, but when I do I love meeting all the pets and their parents.
Hope you all have a great Labor Day Holiday and don't "labor" too much.
I don't really know what I am more passionate about....my chocolate or my puppies health with Blue Buffalo foods. It is hard to not talk about all of my projects at one time, but then I think I would lose my audiences really fast, so I do try to filter myself.
But since my puppies can't have chocolate and I don't think I want to eat their Blue dog food it seems like a match made in Heaven.
The weekend looms and I have to be at PS Beavercreek in the morning and Huber on Sunday, sometimes it is hard to get there, but when I do I love meeting all the pets and their parents.
Hope you all have a great Labor Day Holiday and don't "labor" too much.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The History of Labor Day
Few people know that the holiday originated in Canada out of labor disputes in Hamilton & Toronto Ontario in the 1870`s. The result was a Trade Union Act which legalized union activity in 1872. The parades held in support of the movement, led to huge annual celebrations in Canada. In 1882, American labor leader Peter McGuire saw one of these festivals in Toronto. He was so inspired, that he returned to New York and organized the first American "Labor Day" in New York on Sept. 5th of the same year.
After the death of a number of workers at the hands of the US military, during the 1894 Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland made reconciliation with labor a top priority. Fearing further conflict, legislation making it a National Holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously, and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike.
The vital force of labor has added immensely to the highest standard of living and the greastest production the world has ever known. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation`s strength, freedom and leadership, the American Worker.
A Message from Oprah
This comes from my daily Oprah email and I just had to share it with all of you.
6 Foods that May Lengthen your Life.....
Garlic
Add just one clove (cooked or raw) daily to pasta, salad, or a stir-fry to drop your LDL cholesterol. This can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke by 38 percent
Fish
Have three servings every week (good choices include baked trout or broiled wild salmon). Women of childbearing age an
d young children should stick to two servings a week and avoid large predatory fish, such as swordfish, albacore tuna, and shark. You'll cut your risk of heart disease and stroke by 14 percent.
Fruits and Vegetables
Eat five, 3/4 cup servings daily to lower your blood pressure, slash your risk of cancer, and lower your heart disease risk by 21 percent
Nuts
Sprinkle two ounces on your cereal or salad each day to reduce your LDL ("bad") cholesterol by 14 percent
Wine
Sip a five-ounce glass each evening to cut your risk of heart disease by 32 percent
AND OF COURSE MY FAVORITE
Dark Chocolate
Savor two ounces with a minimum of 60 percent cocoa content each day, and your risk of cardiovascular disease dips 11 percent. Check out this site for a great way to get yours...
http://dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/daytonchocolatiers
6 Foods that May Lengthen your Life.....
Garlic
Add just one clove (cooked or raw) daily to pasta, salad, or a stir-fry to drop your LDL cholesterol. This can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke by 38 percent
Fish
Have three servings every week (good choices include baked trout or broiled wild salmon). Women of childbearing age an
d young children should stick to two servings a week and avoid large predatory fish, such as swordfish, albacore tuna, and shark. You'll cut your risk of heart disease and stroke by 14 percent.
Fruits and Vegetables
Eat five, 3/4 cup servings daily to lower your blood pressure, slash your risk of cancer, and lower your heart disease risk by 21 percent
Nuts
Sprinkle two ounces on your cereal or salad each day to reduce your LDL ("bad") cholesterol by 14 percent
Wine
Sip a five-ounce glass each evening to cut your risk of heart disease by 32 percent
AND OF COURSE MY FAVORITE
Dark Chocolate
Savor two ounces with a minimum of 60 percent cocoa content each day, and your risk of cardiovascular disease dips 11 percent. Check out this site for a great way to get yours...
http://dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/daytonchocolatiers
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Christopher and Banks Rocks
Stop in to see Patti at C&B at the Greene and she wants us to come back several times over the next two months. She is so excited about our Dove Chocolate and talks to lots of people about us, even in her managers meeting. She says she has her own personal Dove Chocolatiers. You gotta' love it. Between her and Wendy at the Dayton Mall we should be in good shape for pre holiday events that will help us kick off this business.
The only problem is their clothes are awesome and we had to buy the Chocolate T Shirts to wear at our parties, they are really awesome....so there went our profits...at least some of them. At least they are brown so we don't have to worry about getting chocolate on them.
We took August to get the word out about Dove Chocolate and now we are starting to get our bookings, people are so surprised that we have Chocolate Parties in their home....what a concept.
Hope this keeps building so we can afford Christmas, of course everyone on my lists will be getting chocolate. We even have sugar free so I can give some to my Son, although he prefers white chocolate I am sure he will eat this as well. You can't tell it is sugar free it is so smooth and delicious.
Enough about chocolate....I spent the morning grooming my three dogs. It is easy to see why it costs so much to get them professionally groomed it took almost 2 hours for the 2 fluffly white ones, Furby is the easy one he just needs a bath, dryed, sprayed with vanilla and kissed on the head. It is funny to brush his teeth now that he only has 4 in the front but he still loves the doggy toothpaste. I should take their picture and post it, maybe I will do that later.
Hope all of you have a great evening. Ta Ta for now...Jeopardy is on and I must go.
The only problem is their clothes are awesome and we had to buy the Chocolate T Shirts to wear at our parties, they are really awesome....so there went our profits...at least some of them. At least they are brown so we don't have to worry about getting chocolate on them.
We took August to get the word out about Dove Chocolate and now we are starting to get our bookings, people are so surprised that we have Chocolate Parties in their home....what a concept.
Hope this keeps building so we can afford Christmas, of course everyone on my lists will be getting chocolate. We even have sugar free so I can give some to my Son, although he prefers white chocolate I am sure he will eat this as well. You can't tell it is sugar free it is so smooth and delicious.
Enough about chocolate....I spent the morning grooming my three dogs. It is easy to see why it costs so much to get them professionally groomed it took almost 2 hours for the 2 fluffly white ones, Furby is the easy one he just needs a bath, dryed, sprayed with vanilla and kissed on the head. It is funny to brush his teeth now that he only has 4 in the front but he still loves the doggy toothpaste. I should take their picture and post it, maybe I will do that later.
Hope all of you have a great evening. Ta Ta for now...Jeopardy is on and I must go.
The most fantastic S'Mores Brownie Recipe Ever
S’mores Brownie Bars
These are the most awesome treats you have ever tasted, they are rich and just drip with flavor.
ENJOY!!
Graham Cracker Crust
2 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs (15-17 crackers)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
Fudge Brownie Filling:
6 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup plus 2 TBSP unsalted butter, chopped into TBSP sized pieces
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups pecan halves, chopped
4 cups (packed) miniature marshmallows
Line a 10 x 15x 2 inch glass baking dish with foil or parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang around the top edge of the pan. Smooth out any big wrinkles in the lining and then lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
Preheat oven to 350F.
• Combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a small bowl. Gradually add the melted butter until the crumbs just hold together when squeezed in your palm. Press the mixture into an even ¼ inch layer on the bottom of the prepared pan. Run a smooth bottomed measuring cup over the crust to pack and level it.
• Combine the chocolate and butter in a large bowl that fits a double boiler. Place the bowl over barely simmering water and stir as needed until the chocolate and butter are melted. Remove from the heat and whisk in the sugar, followed by the beaten eggs and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour, mixing until smooth. Pour the batter on top of the graham cracker crust and level with a small offset spatula.
•Scatter chopped nuts evenly over the batter.
•Bake 30-35 minutes, or until cake tester inserted in brownie center comes out with dark, damp crumbs on it. Do not over bake. Set on a wire rack and cool completely in the pan.
•Distribute the marshmallows evenly over the brownie top. Place the pan under the broiler in the top third of the oven for about 1 minute, or until the marshmallows are puffy and golden brown. Watch carefully and rotate the pan regularly, as the marshmallow can easily burn. Cool until the topping is firm and easily cut without sticking.
Remove the brownies from the pan in one block by gently pulling up on the foil/paper overhang. Place directly on a cutting board. Remove all lining and cut brownies into 2-inch squares. For the neatest cuts, use a sharp knife, wiped clean with a warm, damp cloth between slices.
S’mores Brownie Bars
Graham Cracker Crust
2 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs (15-17 crackers)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
Fudge Brownie Filling:
6 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup plus 2 TBSP unsalted butter, chopped into TBSP sized pieces
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups pecan halves, chopped
4 cups (packed) miniature marshmallows
Line a 10 x 15x 2 inch glass baking dish with foil or parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch over hang around the top edge of the pan. Smooth out any big wrinkles in the lining and then lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
Preheat oven to 350F.
•Combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a small bowl. Gradually add the melted butter until the crumbs just hold together when squeezed in your palm. Press the mixture into an even ¼ inch layer on the bottom of the prepared pan. Run a smooth bottomed measuring cup over the crust to pack and level it.
•Combine the chocolate and butter in a large bowl that fits a double boiler. Place the bowl over barely simmering water and stir as needed until the chocolate and butter are melted. Remove from the heat and whisk in the sugar, followed by the beaten eggs and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour, mixing until smooth. Pour the batter on top of the graham cracker crust and level with a small offset spatula.
•Scatter chopped nuts evenly over the batter.
•Bake 30-35 minutes, or until cake tester inserted in brownie center comes out with dark, damp crumbs on it. Do not over bake. Set on a wire rack and cool completely in the pan.
•Distribute the marshmallows evenly over the brownie top. Place the pan under the broiler in the top third of the oven for about 1 minute, or until the marshmallows are puffy and golden brown. Watch carefully and rotate the pan regularly, as the marshmallow can easily burn. Cool until the topping is firm and easily cut without sticking.
Remove the brownies from the pan in one block by gently pulling up on the foil/paper overhang. Place directly on a cutting board. Remove all lining and cut brownies into 2-inch squares. For the neatest cuts, use a sharp knife, wiped clean with a warm, damp cloth between slices.
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