candy Archives - Inside BruCrew Life

Reese’s Turkeys

November 15, 2012 60 Comments

I couldn’t wait any longer to show you these cute little peanut butter turkeys. Well, ok, I had to wait until today because I finally finished putting everything together this afternoon. But the idea for them has been rolling around in my head all month long. I sure hope you have a bag of candy corn and some leftover Reese’s candy from Halloween. Who am I kidding? Leftover Reese’s? That never happens in this house either. My kids are just as crazy for those candies as I am. They used to share them with me when they were little…now they hide them, so I can’t find them:-) So, I just bought more for this fun project. I can’t wait to make more for us to devour on Thanksgiving Day.

How cute would these little fry boxes be at each kid’s place setting this Thanksgiving? I think this fry box die cut is my favorite one from Lifestyle Crafts right now. It makes the cutest little boxes for small treats. Plus using a die cut sure beats tracing an old McD’s fry box and trying to cut it all out right:-) I also found the “Keep Calm and ______” stamp at JoAnn’s the other day. I just filled in the “eat ham” part with some small letter stamps I found at Walmart. How perfect is this saying for these little boxes filled with turkeys?

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Monster Mix Popcorn Munch

October 17, 2012 20 Comments

One of my favorite things to make is chocolate covered popcorn.
It is such a blank canvas for so many different variations!

Every fall I buy the three seasonal cereals Count Chocula, Boo Berry, and Franken Berry.
And every fall they sit there, because for some reason ours kids will only eat one bowl.
It’s marshmallow cereal…why don’t they eat more of it?
I remember as a kid eating this cereal and loving it.

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Filed Under: Halloween, Rice Krispie Treats & Popcorn, seasonal Tagged With: candy, popcorn, white chocolate

M&M Pumpkin Pudding Cookies

September 26, 2012 39 Comments

Well, it was bound to happen again…

Chocolate Chip cookies made with a pudding mix

I had to make more pudding cookies.

Especially after I made the peanut butter pudding ones,
and after I have seen so many yummy combinations online lately.
Seriously…Maria, Nikki, and Ashton made me do it:-)

I have had pudding on the brain dreaming up combinations for a while now.

What was I supposed to do when I saw the box of pumpkin pudding at Meijer?
Make pudding and eat it?

Of course not…my first thought was to make it into yummy cookies:-)
Because if you have not tried pudding cookies, then you are missing out.
They are soft and chewy and basically addicting, no matter what the flavor.
It is my favorite way to make cookies right now, along with the cake mix cookies.

Yes, I may have bought a few different pudding flavors,
and yes, I may have made 3-4 different kinds in the last 2 months.

I’m just warning you there is a pudding obsession happening here, so be prepared.
I promise to spread them out though…
so the obsession isn’t quite so recognizable!!!

Lucky for me, my son needed a dessert kind of a snack this week…

for get this…National Punctuation Day!

Apparently this was a “real” holiday on Monday…I don’t know…

Yeah, I had never heard of it either…but I’m all for celebrating any day with cookies.

Especially soft, chewy pudding cookies made with Fall colored M&M’s!!!

You need to try these for sure:-)

chocolate chip cookies made with pumpkin pudding

Check out more Pudding Cookies:

Butterscotch Pudding Triple Chip Cookies from Two Peas and their Pod
PB & Chocolate Chip Banana Cream Pudding Cookies from Chef in Training
Biscoff Cheesecake Pudding Cookies from Something Swanky
Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies from BruCrew Life

M&M Pumpkin Pudding Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Yield: 48 cookies

M&M Pumpkin Pudding Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies made with a box of instant pumpkin pudding and MM candies

Ingredients

1 c. butter, softened

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 box instant pumpkin spice pudding (3.4 oz.)

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

2 1/4 c. flour

1 1/2 c. M&M's

1/2 c. mini chocolate chips

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugars until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat again. Sift together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, pudding mix and salt. Slowly add to the butter mixture. Stir in the M&M's and chocolate chips by hand.
Use a teaspoon to scoop the dough onto a baking sheet. Bake at 375* for 8-9 minutes. They will appear undone, but they will set up while cooling. Let cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before removing to a wire rack. Store in a sealed container. Makes about 48 cookies.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2012/09/mm-pumpkin-pudding-cookies/

Shared with: Show & Share, Round Up, Sweet Treats, Treasures, Party Time, Throwback, Chic & Crafty, I’m Lovin It, Kitchen Fun, Happy Hour, Weekend Potluck, Weekend Wrap Up, Strut Your Stuff, Show & Tell, Once Upon A Weekend, Whimsy, Gooseberry Patch

Filed Under: cookies, Cookies & Whoopie Pies Tagged With: candy, chocolate chips, cookies, pudding, pumpkin

Peanut Butter Kit Kat Ice Cream Sandwiches

September 9, 2012 25 Comments

I was cleaning up some photo folders on our computer and,
I realized that I have so many recipes from this summer that I still haven’t shared.

I’m sure that means I bake way too much and should probably slow down…
yeah, like that’s going to happen:-)
And I have the stretchy pants to prove it!!!

Yesterday our weather turned cooler…very fall like and wonderful.
Gotta love bringing out the jeans and hoodies.
I am so excited for my favorite season to be here non stop!!!
In the evening my husband got out our fire pit and we enjoyed a blazing fire.

The irony in this…we were huddled around the fire to keep warm…
while eating ice cream!!!

I came to the realization that just because summer is gone (I hope),
doesn’t mean we stop eating ice cream here.
And I’m betting that most of you keep eating ice cream too.
So, I think I am safe to share the couple ice cream goodies from this summer.

A chewy oatmeal peanut butter cookie…
studded with white chocolate Kit Kat bars.
What could be better?
Oh yeah, TWO of these cookies and vanilla ice cream in the middle.

Sandwich cookies are the best because you get 2 cookies + filling every time you have just one.
I definitely need to make more filled cookies just for that reason alone:-)
And you wonder why I wear stretchy pants…

Some other peanut butter recipes I have been known to inhale:

Peanut Butter Oreo Truffle Cups

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Peanut Butter Pie Parfaits

Peanut Butter Explosion Cake

Peanut Butter Kit Kat Ice Cream Sandwiches

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 11 minutes

Ingredients

1 c. peanut butter
1 c. butter
2 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. honey
3 eggs
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 1/2 c. flour
2 c. quick oats
3 c. chopped white chocolate Kit Kat bars

Instructions

Cream together the peanut butter, butter, honey, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat again. Sift together the salt, baking soda, flour, and oats in another bowl, then slowly add them to the creamed mixture. Do not over beat. Stir in the candy bars by hand. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.

Roll the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Place on a baking sheet with 2 inches around each one. Bake at 350* for 11 minutes. Let cool for 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Place a scoop of ice cream on a cookie and top with another one. Makes 24 sandwiches.

Shared on: Marvelous Monday, Market Yourself, Mix It Up, Mealtime, Craftomaniac, Make the Scene, Crazy Sweets, Talent Show, Tasteful Tuesday, Tip Me, Totally Tasty, Lil Luna, Wow Me, Whatcha Whipped Up, Sweet Treats

Thank you so much for reading my blog. If you liked this post, please leave a comment. Comments are a great way for me to see what is a blog hit or miss:-)

Filed Under: Cookies & Whoopie Pies, Pie & Ice Cream Tagged With: candy, cookies, ice cream, peanut butter

Butterfinger Mousse Cheesecakes

September 5, 2012 51 Comments

It’s that time of year when football becomes very popular.

Teams are practicing and playing each other now.
Tossing the ole pigskin around…
haha that makes me sound like I know what I’m talking about, right?
Ok, maybe not so much.

I have to be honest here.
I really have no interest in football. I mean it’s ok.
But when my hubby turns on the game, I have to have something else I can work on.
Flowers for my shop (The Trendy Owl or cookbooks to read through.
Sometimes I get up and go make goodies…he doesn’t even notice that I’m gone most times.

Now just because I’m not into the game doesn’t mean I don’t support it…
I like to make food for those days.
Yup, football food…that’s something I can get behind 100%.

Mini cheesecakes are always a winning treat on game days.
Small and bite sized and full of lots of candy.
Just the way I like them.

See, I told you they were full of candy.
A whole bag of chopped up butterfingers are going into these.

Have you used chocolate graham crackers before?

This is the first time I used them in a recipe and it will definitely not be the last.

I loved the flavor and the crunch that they added to the crust!

Fill each liner with a generous scoop of the chocolatey graham goodness

and then press down. I had these little condiment cups that worked perfectly.

Go ahead and scoop the candy cheesecake in, but only fill the cups about 2/3 full.

We don’t want these to be very big because we need room to top them with some mousse later.

Just so you know, the cheesecakes will fall slightly when you take them out of the oven.
That’s totally ok.
Remember: it gives us more room for the fluffy peanut butter mousse and more candy!
More candy is always better in my books.

Ok, and the best thing about these cheesecakes…
they double as medicine when you have a cold and just aren’t feeling the best.
Not that I would know that or anything:-)

(I found the referee liners and football coasters at Michaels)

Butterfinger Mousse Cheesecakes

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Crust

1 1/2 c. chocolate graham cracker crumbs
2 Tbsp. sugar
6 Tbsp. butter, melted

For the Cheesecake

2 (8 oz. each) packages cream cheese
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 Tbsp. sour cream
1 Tbsp. vanilla
3/4 c. white chocolate chips
1 tsp. shortening
1 c. butterfinger candies, crushed

For the Mousse

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
1 (8 oz.) container cool whip
1/2 c. peanut butter chips
1 tsp. shortening
3/4 c. butterfinger candies, crushed

Instructions

For the Crust

Combine the crumbs, sugar, and butter until mixed thoroughly. Spoon a generous scoop into each muffin liner and press down. Set aside.

For the Cheesecake

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla and beat again. In a small microwave safe bowl, place the white chips and shortening. Heat for 30 seconds and stir. Continue until the chips are melted and smooth. Add to the cream cheese mixture and beat again. Stir in the butterfinger candies by hand. Fill each muffin liner 2/3 full. Bake at 350* for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 15 minutes in the pan before removing them to a wire rack. Cool completely before topping with the mousse and candy.

For the Mousse

Beat the cream cheese until creamy. In a microwave safe bowl, heat the peanut butter chips and shortening for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat for 15 seconds if necessary. Add to the cream cheese and beat until incorporated. Fold in the cool whip until it is mixed completely. Spoon a tablespoon on top of each cheesecake and spread out. Top with crushed butterfingers. Keep refrigerated. Makes 24 mini cheesecakes.

Shared with: Show & Share, Sweet Treats, Tasty Thursday, Treasures, Throwback, Party Time, Creative Thursday, Chic & Crafty, Kitchen Fun, I’m Lovin It, Open House, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Weekend Potluck, Free For All, Weekend Wrap Up, Create & Inspire, Show & Tell, Strut Your Stuff, Seasonal Inspiration, Once Upon A Weekend, What’s Shakin, Sundae Scoop, Scrumptious Sunday, Marveous Monday, Tip Me, Recipe Round Up

Thank you so much for reading my blog. If you liked this post, please leave a comment. Comments are a great way for me to see what is a blog hit or miss:-)

Filed Under: cheesecake Tagged With: candy

Fluffernutter Fudge Brownies

September 2, 2012 24 Comments

I recently learned something new about my desserts…

fluffernutter fudge brownies, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Reese's Pieces, fudge brownies

They can be used just like money in certain situations.

My oldest son has been using desserts in trades to get more/better lunches at school.

At lunch time, he gives anyone who wants a “taste” of the sweets…

then whoever will trade him the best lunch item, gets the goodies.

So far he has gotten pizza, garlic bread, and a plate of french fries.

I haven’t decided whether to be upset that he is trading away his lunch that I lovingly made,

or happy because so many of his friends are wanting my sweets…

For now I am going with happy because everyone likes good reviews of the things they make.

It is just like getting comments on this blog from someone who made your recipe and loved it.

Which by the way, I LOVE to hear from you guys when that happens.

Totally makes my day…just sayin:-)

If you are looking for a fast and easy brownie to take to any picnics or family gatherings,

these Fluffernutter Fudge Brownies have your name written all over them.

Chocolate brownies made from a box…or get jiggy and make one from scratch if you like….whatev.

I’m kind of a box mix girl for now. But only because of convenience.

Then whip up an easy fudge from chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk

and fill it with whatever candy floats your boat.

My boat is always floating with marshmallows and Reese’s candies.

Something about that peanut butter and marshmallow stuff that just gets me every single time.

Last week I made a pan of these for our church picnic…

and the only thing that came home from the picnic was a plate of crumbs.

Love it when that happens.

Of course my son wasn’t too happy because then he didn’t have anything to barter with on Monday.

He actually had to eat his own lunch that day.

I guess he forgot about the cookies in the freezer. Ooops!

Any of these Reese’s treats would make good picnic food too:

Banana Reese’s Cookies

Oreo Reese’s Brownies

Reese’s Cheesecake Brownie Bars

Reese’s Fluffernutter Cupcakes

Fluffernutter Fudge Brownies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 24 brownies

Fluffernutter Fudge Brownies

Chocolate brownies topped with a marshmallow, peanut butter cup fudge...grab a cup of milk because you are going to need it.

Ingredients

1 box brownie mix (13×9 pan size)

1 c. snack sized Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chopped (about 12)

1 c. miniature Reese's Pieces

2 c. marshmallows

2 c. chocolate chips

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Prepare brownies according to the 2 egg directions on the back of the box. Bake about 25 minutes. Cool completely.
In a saucepan combine the chocolate chips and milk. Heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool 2 minutes. Stir the marshmallows, peanut butter cups, and pieces in by hand gently. Spoon on top of the brownies and spread out. Let cool until set.

Note:

Work quickly with the fudge because it will set up very quickly.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2012/09/fluffernutter-fudge-brownies/

Shared with: Crazy Sweets, Talent Show, Tasteful Tuesday, Totally Tasty, Take a Look, Wow Me, Cast Party, Sweet Treats, Tasty Thursday, Treasures, I’m Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Weekend Potluck, Weekend Wrap Up, Create & Inspire, Strut Your Stuff

*Disclosure: Reese’s is NOT sponsoring this post. I just really love the Reese’s products, and I love to share any chance I get.

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars Tagged With: brownies, candy, fluffernutter, fudge, marshmallow, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Reeses pieces

Reeses Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies

August 16, 2012 13 Comments

In a yummy cookie mood today???

Today I am sharing one of my absolute favorite cookies with you.

These cookies are full of peanut butter cups, Reeses pieces, and marshmallows.

Want the recipe?

Then head over to Southern Lovely today, where I am guest posting
and sharing the recipe for these absolutely delicious cookies!!!

I can’t wait to see you there:-)

Thank you so much for reading my blog. If you liked this post, please leave a comment. Comments are a great way for me to see what is a blog hit or miss:-)

Filed Under: Cookies & Whoopie Pies Tagged With: candy, cookies, peanut butter, pudding

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

August 2, 2012 51 Comments

I made cookies…again….with more Reeses!

Does that surprise you??

Yes, addicted is the word I use too:-)

Ever since I made THESE COOKIES
I kept thinking about a vanilla version with more Reeses in them.

Then one day when the kids were having a super simple lunch of pb & j…
and it hit me!!! Peanut butter and jelly in a cookie!
Awesome idea huh???

I suppose I could make better use of my time and do housework things
like dust, mop, laundry, or even clean the toilet. ”shiver”
But when I get an fun baking idea in my head,
I kind of get distracted until I make it come to life!!!

And I have to say, making cookies is always more fun than a super squeaky clean house.
I usually do little cleaning things while the cookies are in the oven.
Gotta save some face a little here!
Honest I do clean my house…but I probably spend more time in the kitchen.
Probably why I get “that look” from my hubby some days.

Does anyone else get that look?

You know…the silent stare???
No? Maybe I’m the only one:-)

It’s the look that that says I have been crafting, baking, & blogging way too much.
Always a good idea to spend the next day feverishly cleaning up my mini messes!

Plus we can only eat cookies so many days a week.
One day off from baking is probably a good idea…

at least that’s what my thighs keep telling me!!!

How about some more yummy Reese recipes:Reeses PB Cup Blondies from Shugary Sweets
Chocolate Frosted Reeses Puffs Treats from Sally’s Baking Addiction
Reeses Truffles from Pennywise Cook

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Ingredients

1 white cake mix
1/2 c. butter, melted
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chopped Reeses peanut butter cups (9 snack size)
1/2 c. chopped dark chocolate raspberry Ghirardelli squares (6 squares)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350*. Mix cake mix, butter, eggs, and vanilla in a mixing bowl for about 2 minutes. Gently stir in the chopped candy pieces. Chill the dough for 20 minutes in the refrigerator before baking. Form into 1 to 1 1/2 inch balls and place on a non stick baking sheet. Bake 10 -12 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes then remove to your wax paper lined counter to cool completely. Makes about 30 cookies.

Note: I froze the peanut butter cups and raspberry chocolate before baking. It made it easier to chop without smashing the candy.

Shared with: Sweet Treats, Treasures, 36th Ave, Throwback, Chic & Crafty, Sweet Tooth, Friday Flair, I’m Lovin It, Tickled Pink, BFF Open House, Free For All, Weekend Potluck, Friday Favorites, Weekend Wrap Up, Show & Tell, Once Upon A Weekend, Strut Your Stuff, Seasonal Inspiration, Show and Tell, What’s Shakin, Crazy Sweets, Gooseberry Patch

Thank you so much for reading my blog. If you liked this post, please leave a comment. Comments are a great way for me to see what is a blog hit or miss:-)

Filed Under: Cookies & Whoopie Pies Tagged With: candy, cookies, jelly, peanut butter

Monster Cookie Dough Popcorn Munch

July 27, 2012 52 Comments

I have the funniest…ok, maybe the dorkiest habit…

chocolate covered popcorn, sweet recipes, dessert recipes

you are going to laugh at me…

but that’s ok because my family cracks up all the time.
Want to know what it is???

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Rice Krispie Treats & Popcorn Tagged With: biscoff recipes, candy, chocolate, chocolate covered popcorn, marshmallow, monster cookie recipes, oatmeal, popcorn

Almond Joy Banana Bread

July 11, 2012 40 Comments

I can’t seem to stop buying bananas.

It is probably safe to say they are my favorite fruit.

Every single time we are at the store and they have the “baking” bananas super cheap,

we come home with at least 6 or more bunches + some green ones to eat right away.

Most of the baking bananas get peeled, chopped, and frozen right away for green smoothies.

But I usually set aside at least 4 ripe bananas…

you know to get really good and dark.

To get the best flavor in your baked goods,

the bananas have to be dark…not spotty…like black dark.

Totally grosses me out when I am peeling them,

but I love the way it makes bread and muffins taste.

Oh yum!!!

I bought a bag of Almond Joy pieces too!

The idea for bananas and almond joy had been swirling in my head for awhile.

Coconut is a huge addiction for me.

I love to add it to everything.

It has found its way into cookies, bars, and cheesecake.

My kids don’t even bat an eye anymore when they taste the coconut in stuff!

One point for mom in that category…

totally proves that if you keep offering the same food to your kids,

eventually they will eat it and even like it:-)

So I knew that I wanted to mix some banana with my favorite candies.

The first thing I thought of was cookies…but then I had an intense craving for banana bread.
I opened the bag of candies, even had a handful headed toward my mouth,
when I realized that I could have my bread and my candies together still!
If I can make Twix Banana Bread, why not Almond Joy banana bread?

I am so glad that I made this because
after tasting it…I have to say it is one of my favorite breads.

Dense, banana-ey, full of coconut, and yummy candy…
anyone want to come over for coffee and help me devour the rest???

Addicted to Almond Joy like me?

Banana Reeses Cookies

June 28, 2012 43 Comments

Happiness is…

*cool summer mornings where you need a blanket to snuggle under

*little hands reaching for yours when you go for a walk

*hearing your kids playing and getting along…for a while:-)

*kissing your husband

*going to Goodwill and finding fun photo props

*fun baking supplies in the mail

*planning a party with your daughter

*doing what you love

*finding boxes full of baking bananas at the grocery store

*baking cookies (or anything for that matter)

*REESES in any shape or form:-)

*combining bananas and Reeses into the best cookie ever!

Seriously these cookies were amazing!

Chocolatey, fudgey, banana bread like, chock full of peanut butter cups, and Reeses pieces…

do I have you convinced you NEED to bake these cookies in the very near future???

I had to break out the stretchy pants after these because I Could.Not.Stop!!!

One after the other kept going into my mouth

and I didn’t even care…seriously that’s what the pants were for!

You did see how many peanut butter cups and pieces are in these, right??

Don’t mess with my and my Reeses…

and after seeing that my most popular recipes involve peanut butter and Reeses of some sort…

I’m thinking you all like them just as much as I do:-)

So, really, these cookies were for you.

I just had to taste test them to be sure they were ok for you:-) hee hee!

And now that there are no cookies left…I guess you better go bake your own…

and then go hide in a closet with a big plateful

because after you taste these…

you won’t want to do anything but stuff your face with them.

Honest!!!

Still craving more Reeses?

Maybe one I can tempt you with one of these recipes:-)

Oreo Reeses Brownies

Ultimate Reeses Cheesecake Brownies

Reeses Owl Cupcakes

Reeses Popcorn Munch

Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies

Banana Reeses Cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 30 cookies

Banana Reeses Cookies

Chocolate cake mix cookies made with banana and Reeses...best cookie ever!

Ingredients

1 chocolate cake mix

1/2 c. butter, softened

2 brown bananas, smashed

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 c. miniature chocolate chips

1 c. peanut butter cups, chopped

1/2 c. Reeses pieces

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter, bananas, and vanilla. Slowly add the cake mix. The dough will be very thick. Stir in the chocolate chips, peanut butter cups, and pieces by hand carefully.
Drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 350* for 10-12 minutes. Cool on the pan for about 1-2 minutes and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an air tight container.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2012/06/banana-reeses-cookies/