Brownies & Bars Archives - Inside BruCrew Life

Chocolate Coconut Bars

June 2, 2013 41 Comments

These Chocolate Coconut Bars are filled with a delicious coconut filling and topped with chocolate ganache. The perfect summer time dessert when you are craving a bit of the tropics with your chocolate.

Last week we were at the beach, and we decided to take a day to explore some state parks. Everyone had gotten a little sunburned throughout the week, and we thought a day out of the sun (kind of) would be best. We packed up a cooler with some water and apples and headed out. It was about a 30 minute drive to where we thought the park was, so we let the kids play on their ipods until we got there. As we got closer to the state park, the drive was getting prettier and prettier. The road we were on had trees growing up and around the road creating a tunnel of tree branches and Spanish moss. It was gorgeous! [Read more...]

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars

25 Easy Brownie Recipes From a Box

May 31, 2013 24 Comments

There is something so satisfying about eating a big chocolate brownie. I love to take a box brownie mix and combine it with candy, cookies, or fruit to come up with some extra crazy, good brownies. Today I am sharing 25 easy brownie recipes from a box that I have created over the years for this blog. Grab a big glass of milk and get ready for some extreme brownie goodness.

Please only pin the collage picture from above for this post. If you want to save a particular recipe, click that link and then pin that recipe. Thank you.

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Filed Under: Brownies & Bars

Peanut Butter & Jelly Crumb Bars

May 28, 2013 20 Comments

Today I am sharing the recipe for these delicious Peanut Butter & Jelly Crumb Bars on Somewhat Simple.

These bars are a quick and easy dessert idea with a fun twist on the traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich. And of course I had to throw in my favorite candies for the peanut butter layer. You wouldn’t expect anything else, would you?

Head on over HERE to get the recipe for the bars. Enjoy!!!

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars

Oreo Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookie Bars

May 23, 2013 65 Comments

Making over the top and decadent desserts like these Oreo Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookie Bars is definitely the best part of my job. Wait, I’m pretty sure sharing and eating them with my family is the best part.

15 years ago today I woke up nervous, anxious, and very excited. That night I married my best friend. God knew that I needed someone strong and patient to deal with my crazy and stressed out attitude. My husband is definitely patient with me when I get strung out and crazy over deadlines and just life in general. Oh, he has his moments too…he is just better at hiding them than I am.

I do love him very much for loving me and staying with me through thick and thin. Who would have thought that 15 years later, we would have 3 kids, have lived in 2 states, moved 6 times, and changed jobs 10 times before getting to the place God wanted us to be. Happy anniversary babe! I can’t wait to see what happens in the next 15 years.
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Filed Under: Brownies & Bars, cheesecake

Nutella Almond Joy Cake Bars

May 15, 2013 43 Comments

These easy cake mix bars are filled with coconut and Nutella and then covered in sweetened condensed milk. You will be the hit of the party if you bring these Nutella Almond Joy Bars to any barbecue or picnic this summer.

This week we bought flowers for Mother’s Day to plant in the front of our house. I love a pretty house with a beautiful outside. The thing I really don’t like…dirt under my fingernails. It is definitely on my list of pet peeves for sure.

I found some old gardening gloves to use while putting the flowers in the dirt. Apparently I have bum gloves because I still ended up with dirt under my nails. I have decided that gardening is not on my list of favorite things to do. In fact, it is on my list of things I would love to pay someone else to do. A maid is also on my list Maybe one of these days, but until then I will suffer through it and document my “complaints” here.

Something that I do enjoy doing is eating coconut and Nutella together. A couple years ago I made these Coconut Nutella cookies, and they are still some of my favorites. I love using cake mixes for a base for easy dessert bars. Add in some coconut and Nutella in the center and cover it in sweetened condensed milk for a ooey, gooey bar.

I would much rather lounge on the deck with a plate of these than be digging in the dirt. Who’s with me? You bring the milk, and I’ll make the bars!!!

Nutella Almond Joy Cake Bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 24 squares

Nutella Almond Joy Cake Bars

Cake mix bars filled with Nutella and coconut.

Ingredients

1 vanilla cake mix

1/2 cup finely chopped almonds

1/3 cup butter, softened

1/3 cup milk

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1 cup Nutella

2 cups Almond Joy Pieces

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, almonds, butter, and milk until it forms a dough. Press half the dough into the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Spread the Nutella over the dough in the pan.
In a bowl, combine the coconut and sweetened condensed milk. Spread over the Nutella carefully. Crumble the rest of the dough on top. Bake at 350* for 25 minutes. Cool completely. Makes 24 squares.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2013/05/nutella-almond-joy-cake-bars/

Other easy cake mix recipes:

Caramel Coconut Bars

Nutella Marshmallow bars3-1

Nutella Marshmallow Bars

Oreo Coconut Cake Bars

Shared on: Time Out, Treasures, I’m Lovin It, Weekend Potluck,

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars Tagged With: Almond Joy Pieces, cake mix bars, nutella

Cake Batter Cheesecake Brownies

April 28, 2013 72 Comments

Are there days you crave cake? Maybe you want brownies? No wait, you really want a big piece of cheesecake. Today you can have all three with these Cake Batter Cheesecake Brownies.

I am having a hard time believing that this week is really May. That means summer is seriously just around the corner. I am so not ready to be seen at the beach or the pool. (Brownie Batter Popcorn anyone?)

The other day I was cleaning my closet and putting away the sweaters in totes for next fall. Behind all the sweaters was a pile of shorts…I just looked at them and then pulled the door closed quickly. I briefly thought about trying some on…you know for motivation. But then I realized I didn’t want to be sad the rest of the day.

So, what did I do?

I baked some brownies. Oh, but not just any brownies. We had a package of the Party Cake Oreos. Those went into the brownies. Now I could have stopped there and the brownies would have been awesome, but this is me we are talking about How long have you been reading my blog? You know what’s coming next right? I decided to make a cheesecake layer for the brownies. But not just any cheesecake layer. This one got loaded with some funfetti cake mix. Cake batter flavored things might be my new obsession now.

Now I know what you are thinking. What possesses someone to make such a crazy dessert? It might scare you to know what kind of concoctions I have floating around in my head and on notes. I love layers in my desserts, and I love texture. These brownies have all of that covered. They are fudgey with a light creamy cheesecake, and they have a crunch from the cookie baked into it.

These definitely won’t help with that shorts goal I have, but hey, summer is still a month a way. We have plenty of time…

Go ahead and make some dessert to celebrate spring or a birthday or better yet…save the recipe and make it for your mom. This would be the ultimate party cake dessert to say thank you to your mom this coming Mother’s Day.

Cake Batter Cheesecake Brownies, Pillsbury brownies, Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix, Oreo cookies

Cake Batter Cheesecake Brownies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 24 squares

Cake Batter Cheesecake Brownies

Oreo Brownies topped with a cake batter cheesecake...it has all your sweets cravings covered.

Ingredients

1 brownie mix for a 9x13 pan (I used a Pillsbury cake)

1 package Oreo cookies (I used the Birthday Cake Oreos)

1 box cream cheese (8 oz. Philadelphia)

2 Tablespoons butter, softened

1 Tablespoon cornstarch

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

3/4 cup dry funfetti cake mix (Pillsbury)

Instructions

Prepare the brownie mix according to the package. Spoon half of the batter into a greased 9x13 pan. Place the Oreo cookies on top of the batter. Cover the cookies with the rest of the brownie batter. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and cornstarch until creamy. Add the milk, egg, and vanilla and beat again. Slowly beat in the cake mix. Gently pour the cheesecake on top of the brownies. Bake at 350* for 40-45 minutes. It might look undone, but cheesecake always sets up after cooling. Do not over bake. Let cool completely. Cut into 24 squares and top with Cool Whip and sprinkles.

Notes

Feel free to use your favorite kind of cream filled cookie if you can't find the Birthday Cake Oreos.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2013/04/cake-batter-cheesecake-brownies/

More Cheesecake Bars to help you celebrate:

mint cheesecake brownies

Mint Cheesecake Brownies

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Bars 5

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Bars

Ultimate Reese’s Cheesecake Brownies

Shared with: Salt Tree Social, Talent Show, What’s Cooking, Taste & Tell, Chic & Crafty, I’m Lovin It, Weekend Potluck, Friday Flair, Weekend Wrap Up, Think Pink,

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars, cheesecake Tagged With: Birthday Cake Oreos, oreo cheesecake, Pillsbury Brownies, Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix

Reese’s Rocky Road Brownies

April 21, 2013 73 Comments

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Reese’s Pieces give that extra peanut butter taste to these Reese’s Rocky Road Brownies.

One thing that I have always done since getting married is wash and fold the laundry. As a stay at home mom, it is just one of those things you do without really thinking about it. And quite honestly, I don’t mind doing laundry. Well, most days that is

When the kids were younger, I also sorted all the folded clothes into piles and put everyone’s clothes into their drawers. I like neat organized piles, and I like drawers that are clean looking. As the kids got older, one of the jobs that I “gave up” was putting the folded laundry away. It was time for them to learn some responsibility and for them to take on more chores. This resulted in me having to give up control of those neat organized drawers.

Seriously I’m not sure why I still fold their clothes because when they put it away it is shoved in every which way possible. For my sanity’s sake, I try not to look in those drawers. The mess drives me to want more chocolate…and more Reese’s candies.

I have decided that no matter what “diet” I am on or trying to do, I just can’t give up my beloved peanut butter and chocolate. Plus, I have see how you guys go crazy for the recipes using that wonderful combo. You all are just as nuts for that good stuff. LOL that pun was totally intended.

So the other day when I helped my daughter organize her entire room (drawers included) I knew that some sort of chocolate brownie was needed after hours of organizing. It was the only thing that helped get me off the “why is your room such a pig sty” ledge that I was on. Adding Reese’s peanut butter cups under the melty marshmallow layer AND Reese’s pieces on top was just the thing I needed to put me into a sugar coma of forgetfulness.

What messy drawers?

This is such an easy brownie recipe to put together. Bake your favorite brownies. Go ahead and use a mix or go all homemade if that’s how you roll. Most days I’m a brownie mix fan, but you do what you have to do.

As soon as the brownies come out of the oven, place an entire bag of those Reese’s mini peanut butter cups on top. You need to work quickly because they will start to melt and slide. That’s not a problem though because then you are going to cover it with a layer of peanuts and marshmallows. Put it back in the oven to get all warm and toasty for about 5 minutes. As soon as they come out, add the Reese’s Pieces to the top for some fun color and texture.

This is definitely a brownie for the serious sugar lover. Grab a cup of milk and dig in!!

Reese's Rocky Road Brownies, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Reese's Pieces, brownies

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Reese’s Rocky Road Brownies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 33 minutes

Yield: 24 brownies

Reese’s Rocky Road Brownies

Fudge brownies topped with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, peanuts, marshmallow, and Reese's Pieces is a peanut butter lovers dream come true.

Ingredients

1 brownie mix (for a 9x13 pan)

1 bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cup minis (8 oz. bag)

1 cup peanuts, coarsely chopped

3 cups mini marshmallows

3/4 cup Reese's Pieces

Instructions

Make the brownies according the back of the package. Bake at 350* for 26-28 minutes or for as long as your package says. As soon as they are finished baking, place the peanut butter cups on the top of the hot brownies. Top with the chopped peanuts. Cover everything with the marshmallows. Place the pan of brownies back in the oven for 5 minutes. Pull the pan out and place the Reese's Pieces into the marshmallow.
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares. Use a wet knife to cut the squares so the marshmallow doesn't stick. Cut into 24 squares.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2013/04/reeses-rocky-road-brownies/

More Reese’s treats that will help you forget about cleaning…

Reese’s Fluffernutter Fudge Brownies

Marshmallow Reese’s Blonde Brownies

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Bars

Shared with: Craftomaniac, Creative Time Out, Chic & Crafty, Friday Flair, Weekend Wrap Up, Sundae Scoop,

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars Tagged With: best brownies, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Reeses pieces, Rocky Road Brownies

No Bake Fruity Pebbles Granola Bars

April 11, 2013 33 Comments

Looking for a no bake treat that is good for school lunches or after school snacks? These No Bake Fruity Pebbles Granola Bars will work for any snack time treat.

We like granola bars. They are an easy snack to have on hand for any time of day. I have been making these no bake M&M Granola Bars for a while now. I love how easy they are to put together.

When I was at the store getting the ingredients for another batch of no bake bars, I happened to see Fruity Pebbles on sale and decided to substitute those for the rice cereal that I usually use. It was a fun and fruity twist to the granola bars. They are so fun and colorful and have that great Fruity Pebbles taste to them.

My favorite part of these bars…they are no bake. That means I can have a pan of homemade granola bars done in under 10 minutes. Then all you have to do is wait for it to set up. A quick trick is to throw the pan in the freezer for about 10 minutes, and then you can cut them into bars. My kids had no problem munching on these after school and for breakfast the next day.

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Other fun treats to use for lunch box treats:

Congo Bars

Oatmeal Cream Pies

Whoppers Snack Bars

No Bake Fruity Pebbles Granola Bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 24 squares

No Bake Fruity Pebbles Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars get a fun twist from the Fruity Pebbles cereal.

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup honey

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cups quick oats

2 1/2 cups Fruity Pebbles cereal

Instructions

In a sauce pan combine the butter, honey, and sugar. Cook on low heat until melted and it starts to bubble. Turn the heat down and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Stir together the oats and cereal in a bowl. Pour the hot butter mixture over the top and stir until completely coated. Press the cereal tightly into an 8x8 pan that has been buttered. Let set before cutting into bars. Makes 24 cereal squares.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2013/04/no-bake-fruity-pebbles-granola-bars/

Shared with: Chic & Crafty, I’m Lovin It, The Scoop,

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars Tagged With: homemade granola bars, no bake bars, Post Fruity Pebbles

Strawberry M&M Granola Bars

March 27, 2013 45 Comments

Homemade granola bars are a quick and easy after school snack. These Strawberry M&M Granola Bars were just the thing for a day full of sports practice.

I had so many random thought going through my head this morning as I edited these pictures bright and early…

1. I love that these granola bars are one of my kids favorite treats. Even their friends ask for more granola bars.

2. Why can’t I just make the same flavor twice? Apparently I have flavor issues…

3. I really should have ironed the fabric before setting up my photo shoot. That crease down the middle is driving me bonkers.

Strawberry M&M Granola Bars, white chocolate M&M's, Strawberry Quik

4. I like candy and chocolate. Enter a healthy breakfast/snack food and what do I do to it? Add M&M’s and drizzle it with chocolate, of course.

5. Where’s the milk or coffee in this picture? I must have been in a hurry to take these pictures and not realized that I never added something to the cup.

6. There were so many green and yellow M&M’s in the bag that I bought. I really wish there had been more pink and purple ones…for some reason I liked eating those colors better.

7. I hope no one thinks these Strawberry M&M Granola Bars look gross. Although I wouldn’t be surprised by emails telling me how much they look like raw meat. It’s pink because of the powdered milk people!!!!

Strawberry M&M Granola Bars, white chocolate M&M's, Strawberry Quik

8. I really wish there were more granola bars in my kitchen today. I guess I know what I am baking later this afternoon But which flavor?

What flavor granola bar should I make next???

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Caramel Apple Granola Bars

Whoppers Snack Bars

Raspberry Hot Chocolate Granola Bars

Strawberry M&M Granola Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 16 granola bars

Strawberry M&M Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars are the perfect after school treat. These get their flavor from using powdered strawberry milk. The M&M's and chocolate are just a fun added bonus to snack time.

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 brown sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups flour

2 1/2 cups quick oats

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup Strawberry Quik powder

3/4 cup white chocolate M&M's

1/2 cup miniature marshmallow bits

1/4 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 teaspoon shortening

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat again. Sift together the flour, oats, salt, and Strawberry Quik. Slowly add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the M&M's and marshmallow bits by hand.
Spread the dough into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350* for 20 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting.
Place white chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 20 seconds and stir. Repeat until chips are melted and smooth. Spoon into a plastic lunch baggie and cut one tip off. Drizzle over the bars in a quick motion. Let set. Store in a sealed container for up to a week. Makes 16 granola bars.

Notes

Regular or M&M's can be substituted if you can't find the white chocolate ones.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2013/03/strawberry-mm-granola-bars/

Granola Bars from around the web:

Chewy Fudge Granola Bars from Sally’s Baking Addiction
Biscoff Granola Bars from Two Peas and Their Pod

Shared with: What’s Cooking, Time Out, Taste and Tell, Chic & Crafty,

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars Tagged With: after school snacks, homemade granola bars, M&M candies, Nestle Strawberry Quik, snack bars, Strawberry granola bars, white chocolate M&M's

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Bars

March 24, 2013 85 Comments

Eating these Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Bars will send you to your sugar happy place right away. This bar cookie recipe would be a great addition to your Easter dinner next week.

There is nothing that I would classify as too sweet. I am quite a dessert heavy weight (LOL literally). Now my hubby on the other hand, he takes one or two bites and he is over it. We were at Cheesecake Factory a few weeks ago, and we both ordered cheesecake after dinner. Now I purposefully only ate a small portion of dinner because one must leave room for cheesecake when you come to a place called The Cheesecake Factory. It is a given.

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Bars, Reese's bars, chocolate chip bars, peanut butter cheesecake

Anyway, I had no problem downing my cheesecake and a few bites of my hubby’s. He had a few bites and was going on about how sweet it was, and that it was too rich for him. He even said that he was getting the shakes and the sweats from trying to eat all that sugar. I just had to laugh at him and call him a dessert light weight. I guess I have had a lot more practice holding my sugar with all the desserts I keep cranking out.

After having that cheesecake a few weeks ago, I was craving some cheesecake goodies. One of my favorites from last year were these Key Lime Cheesecake Cookie Bars, so I knew I wanted to make another variation of that recipe. And since Reese’s are my absolute all time favorites, I decided to make another peanut butter version with Reese’s peanut butter chips, because clearly you can never have enough of that!!!

These bars are purely decadent. Thick layers of chocolate and peanut butter chip cookie dough with a generous layer of peanut butter cheesecake in the middle. Oh yeah!! I like my bars super thick, but if you like yours thinner, go ahead and bake these in a 9×13 pan. Just make sure to adjust your baking time…I haven’t done that size, so I am speculating probably about 25-30 minutes.

I also used the Hershey’s baking melts in place of the chocolate chips. I liked biting into the big chunks of chocolate. Who doesn’t though…

And of course everything is better with more chocolate right? So, go ahead and drizzle your bars with more melted chocolate and Reese’s peanut butter chips!!!

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I am slightly addicted to Reese’s…here are a few of my favorites.

Marshmallow Reese’s Brownies

Reese’s Peanut Butter Threat Cheesecakes

Reese’s Cheesecake Brownies

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Bars

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 16 bars

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Bars

Peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie dough with a layer of peanut butter cheesecake. This will take dessert to a whole new level.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 1/2 cups flour

1 cup Reese's peanut butter chips

1 cup Hershey's baking melts

For the Cheesecake

1 package cream cheese (8 oz.)

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1/4 cup peanut butter

For the topping

1/4 cup Reese's peanut butter chips

1/4 cup chocolate chips

1 teaspoon shortening

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, shortening, and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla, and salt and cream again. Sift together the baking soda and flour. Slowly add to the butter mixture until incorporated. Stir in the peanut butter chips and baking melts by hand. Press half the dough into the bottom of an 8" pan. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add the egg and peanut butter and beat until smooth. Pour on top of the cookie dough.
Press small pieces of cookie dough onto the top of the cream cheese layer. Continue until all the dough has been used and the cheesecake has been covered. Bake at 350* for 45 minutes. Remove and let cool completely. Cut into 16 bars.
In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter chips and 1/2 teaspoon shortening. Heat for 30 seconds in the microwave. Stir until melted and smooth. Spoon into a plastic bag that has one corner cut off. Drizzle over bars. Repeat with chocolate chips. Keep refrigerated. Makes 16 bars.

Notes

You can also bake this in a 9x13 pan, if you want shorter bars. I think you will want to only bake it for 25-30 minutes though.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2013/03/peanut-butter-cheesecake-cookie-bars/

Shared with: What’s Cooking, Time Out, Taste and Tell, Chic & Crafty, I’m Lovin It, Weekend Potluck, Friday Flair,

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars, cheesecake Tagged With: cheesecake bars, chocolate chip cookies, cookie bars, Hershey's Baking Melts, Reese's Peanut Butter chips

10 Tips For Eating Healthy Lunches on the Go

March 20, 2013 19 Comments

Eating healthy at home can be challenging enough most days. It is so easy to throw out those healthy habits you have developed when you start traveling for vacations. Here are 10 tips for eating healthy lunches on the go to help you maintain your healthy eating. All you need is a plan and the right containers.
1. Bring a cooler with ice packs to store containers of vegetables and fruit. These healthy options will keep you from picking up a candy bar when you stop for gas.
2. Pack plenty of water. You will need to stay hydrated when you are traveling. You could bring some flavor packets to add to the water if you want something different. One benefit of only bringing water is that your children will not drink it as fast as juice. This means less pit stops to slow down your travel time. Plus, water doesn’t stain when it is spilled.
3. Containers with string cheese, hard boiled eggs, and hummus provide great protein snacks to eat with those vegetables in your cooler. cucumbers
4. Crackers, pretzels, chips, and peanuts are a good snack for in between meals. Look for baked options which have a lower fat content. You do need to watch the size of your portions, so you aren’t eating mindless calories.
5. Sandwiches can be made ahead of time on wheat bread and wrapped in Glad Cling Wrap. Make sure to label each sandwich with a sharpie, so you know right away what is on each one. Also, keep them on top of the containers in the cooler. No one likes to eat smashed or soggy sandwiches.
6. Take time to stop when it is time to eat lunch. Find a rest stop with a bathroom and a large grassy area for your kids to run off that extra energy they have from sitting all day. Pull out all the containers of vegetables and cheese for extra sides with those sandwiches.

7. Pack a bag with plates, small containers, forks, knives, and napkins. The small containers are great for portioning out nuts or trail mix in the car. You will want the plates and napkins when you stop for lunch at a rest stop. Wet wipes are another good thing to have in that bag for sticky fingers and mouths.

8. Salads are a great healthy on-the-go option. You can pre-make your salad before you leave using the Glad To Go Lunch containers. The small condiment cup in the middle holds just enough dressing and keeps your salad from getting soggy. Eating healthy can be fast and easy if you think ahead.
9. Make your own granola bars to have on hand for quick breakfast options or for when traffic delays have you stopped for a while.
10. Stop eating when you are full. Listen to your stomach. It is no fun to be traveling in a vehicle with an upset stomach. Watch how many snacks your children are eating too. It is easy to just eat mindlessly when there is nothing else to do in the car.

Packing healthy lunches and snacks for traveling can be quite easy if you are prepared. A week before traveling, start a list of healthy snacks that your family likes to eat. Make sure to buy the right containers and plastic wrap to pack each food in for the drive. You will not have the same eating schedules when traveling, so keep that in mind when buying those lunch items. Packing healthy snacks to eat in the car keeps your metabolism running right until you get to your destination. I love how easy it is to pack for long drives using GladWare and Glad Cling Wrap. The different sized container options that they offer are perfect for the different snacks we like to take on drives. The Cling Wrap is easy to use. I just lay out a piece of Wrap on the counter and make the sandwich right on top. Fold the wrap around the finished sandwich and move on to the next one. It is so easy to make a few different sandwiches for my picky eaters to enjoy on car rides. I am always looking for products that save me time when getting ready to leave for vacation.

How would you like the chance to win weekly prizes from Glad?
Go to the Glad Pinterest Board Contest to Inspire your Lunch with Glad.
Create your own Pinterest board for a chance to win weekly prizes.
(Timing of the Pinterest Board Contest: 3/18 – 4/28)
Steps in entering the contest:
Step 1: Click the Glad photo in the Glad Pinterest Board Contest gallery that most inspires you to get started pinning.
Step 2: Choose “create new board” in the dropdown menu of the Pinterest pop up screen. Title your new board “Inspired Lunches”
Step 3: Find at least 4 photos anywhere on the web that fits the theme of “Inspired Lunches” and pin them to your new board. Include #gladinspiredlunches in your photo description.
Step 4: Once you’ve pinned 5 photos (including one from the Glad Pinterest Gallery) come back to the Glad Pinterest Board Contest to submit your board.

If you make a pinboard in the Glad contest, share your pinboard URL in the comments—I’d love to see what you’ve done! In addition, I’m always looking for inspiration so tell me how you make your inspired lunches.

Visit Glad’s page on BlogHer for more ideas!

Peanut_Butter_Granola_Bars_3-2

No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 16 bars

No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars

No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars are more fun with chocolate chips and peanut butter cups.

Ingredients

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups quick oats

1 cup rice krispie cereal

1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips

1 cup chopped miniature Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Instructions

Combine the oats and cereal in a large bowl and set aside. In a large saucepan add the coconut oil, honey, and sugar. Stir over medium heat until melted. Bring to a boil and lower temperature. Simmer for two minutes. Add the peanut butter and vanilla and stir until melted.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats and cereal. Stir until thoroughly coated. Let cool for a few minutes before stirring in the chocolate chips and peanut butter cups.
Press the mixture firmly into a greased 9x13 pan. Let cool before cutting into bars. Makes 16 bars.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2013/03/10-tips-for-eating-healthy-lunches-on-the-go/

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars Tagged With: eating healthy on the go, Glad, Glad Cling Wrap, Glad containers, healthy granola bars, healthy lunch ideas, homemade granola bars, peanut butter cup granola bars

Heath Brownie Pizzas

March 17, 2013 54 Comments

Mini desserts are definitely more fun to make and to eat. These mini Heath Brownie Pizzas are very easy to make, but they have a great wow! factor when served for dessert.

The other day my youngest son wanted to bake something with me. Of course any chance I get to bake with my little ones, I definitely fit it in. Now his only request was that they be plain brownies.

Now I don’t know about you, but the word “plain” does not exist in my vocabulary in regards to baking…well, in anything really. I mean look at these Tiramisu Brownies and these Salted Caramel Brownies…definitely anything but plain comes to mind.

But I was more than willing to make some plain with him…on one condition…he got to make his half plain and I got to jazz my half up. We decided to make the brownies using a muffin top pan. If you do not have one, you can buy on at Michaels or Hobby Lobby or HERE. I use mine all the time for muffins and whoopie pies, so it is well worth the money. (I have a muffin recipe later this week using one too!)

The last time I was shopping at Walmart I found these Heath pieces. They basically were screaming at me to put them in the cart, so I couldn’t resist taking them home with me. And while I was there I picked up some Heath creamer…I just knew something yummy was going to happen with the two of them together.

Heath_Brownie_Pizzas, International Delights coffee creamer, Heath pieces

Let’s get started first with some brownies. You have two options…use a box mix or bake up your favorite from scratch. I personally keep boxed brownie mixes on hand for fast easy brownies. I like to call my baking style semi homemade Anyway, whatever you decide, just make some brownies, but make sure you substitute coffee for the liquid in the recipe. Then spoon about a tablespoon of batter into each muffin top cavity. Bake for 10 minutes and viola! Mini brownie pizzas!

Next make some butter cream using the coffee creamer in place of any milk. Try to resist eating spoonful after spoonful of the icing…it is seriously that good. The last part to these fun brownies is the flower on top. We used the Heath pieces to decorate the tops of these Heath brownie pizzas.

Easy peasy brownie pizzas in no time at all.

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Check out some more fun jazzed up brownie recipes:

Oreo Marshmallow Brownies

Milky Way Brownie Cups

White Chocolate Oreo Brownie Parfaits

Heath Brownie Pizzas

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 18 brownies

Heath Brownie Pizzas

Mocha brownies topped with a Heath coffee creamer butter cream and Heath Pieces flowers.

Ingredients

1 brownie mix

1/2 cup strong brewed coffee

1/2 cup butter, softened

4 Tablespoons International Delights Heath coffee creamer

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup Heath Pieces

Instructions

Mix up brownies according to the 2 egg ingredients on the box. Substitute the coffee for any water called for. Spray whoopie pie pan with non stick spray. Place 1 large tablespoon of batter in each cavity of the pan. Bake at 350* for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges as soon as they come out of the oven. Let cool 4-5 minutes in the pan, then gently remove to wire rack to cool completely.
Beat the butter for a few minutes or until creamy. Add the salt and coffee creamer and beat again. Slowly add the sugar until thoroughly blended. Beat for an additional minute. Pipe or spread on top of the brownie tops. Create a fun flower with the Heath Pieces. Store in an airtight container for 4-5 days. Makes 18 brownie pizzas.

Notes

If you don't have a muffin top pan, you can also bake the brownies in a 9x13 pan for about 25 minutes. Frost and cut into squares before adding the flower pieces.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2013/03/heath-brownie-pizzas/

Shared with: Wow Me, Lil Luna, Smart School House Whimsy, What’s In Your Kitchen, What’s Cooking, Creative Time Out, Treasures,