candy Archives - Inside BruCrew Life

Snowman Candy Jar

December 13, 2013 15 Comments

Need a quick and easy gift to share with your friends or family? This Snowman Candy Jar is a cute way to share all that holiday candy that you bought too much of with others.

Snowman Candy Jar | Inside BruCrew Life

Can I just tell you how much I love snowmen? Oh, not the cold wet ones that are outside. I like the fluffy pretty ones that are all over my house at this time of year. I do like the outside snowmen too…as long as I am looking at them from inside my window.

A few weeks ago I was at Hobby Lobby buying…well, to be honest I don’t remember what I was buying. Anyway, I wandered down the ornament aisle and found this cute snowman head ornament. He had to come home with me right away. [Read more...]

White Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake

November 10, 2013 59 Comments

This White Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake is a great way to end the meal. Chocolate, caramel, and white chocolate…it’s the perfect trio of flavors.

When our kids have tests, we have them study, and then we will quiz them to see how much they really studied. Nothing like a good study session to make you realize how much school stuff you have forgotten and how dumb you have become. That was me the other night. My son had a biology test that he wanted me to quiz him for. Biology is one of those classes I learned at the time, and then promptly forgot as soon as school was over.

Yikes! It has been way too many years since being in school. My brain does not remember things like ATP energy, autotrophs, chloroplasts, adenosine, thylakoids. Shoot! I can’t even remember how to pronounce some of those. My son had a good laugh at me as I was asking him some of the things on his papers. The sad thing is that I just went over all those things with him the other day, and I couldn’t tell you what any of those are now. Well, maybe chloroplasts…I think those are some sort of plant cell where the color is stored…or something like that. The other ones I have no clue. Obviously I forgot again! [Read more...]

Caramel Marshmallow M&M Brownies

October 27, 2013 54 Comments

Brownies topped with three layers of goodness. These Caramel Marshmallow M&M Brownies will definitely satisfy every sugar craving you have. They are a great way to use up some of that Halloween candy too!

Caramel Marshmallow M and M Brownies - three layers of goodness on top of a fudge brownie. These are crazy good! www.insidebrucrewlife.com
Yesterday my daughter and I made a trip to Walmart to pick up some more…wait for it…baking supplies! I’m sure that doesn’t surprise you at all since you know me and my crazy baking habits.

We stopped at Goodwill first and wandered there for about 30 minutes. It was one of those stops where not much jumped out at us to buy. We did find a really nice winter coat for her that looks absolutely brand new. Can’t beat $4!!! And I did find a couple white bowls and a nice mini cutting board. You can never have too many mini cutting boards as a food photographer. [Read more...]

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.

[Read more...]

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:-)

Fluffernutter Fudge Brownies

September 2, 2012 30 Comments

I recently learned something new about my desserts…

Fluffernutter Fudge Brownies - brownies with fudge and Reese's is the way to go when a chocolate craving hits www.insidebrucrewlife.com

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.

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

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!

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 cup snack sized Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chopped (about 12)

1 cup miniature Reese's Pieces

2 cups marshmallows

2 cups 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. Work quickly with the fudge because it will set up very quickly. Let cool until set. Cut into 24 squares. Store in a tightly sealed container.

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

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

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:-)

Monster Cookie Dough Popcorn Munch

July 27, 2012 57 Comments

This Monster Cookie Dough Popcorn has all the traditional flavors of a monster cookie. The popcorn is coated in a chocolate and Biscoff coating and tossed with lots of extra goodness.

Monster Cookie Dough Popcorn - all the flavors of a monster cookie in a chocolate covered popcorn #biscoff #monstercookie http://www.insidebrucrewlife.com

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

Almond Joy Banana Bread

July 11, 2012 41 Comments

I can’t seem to stop buying bananas.

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

Almond Joy Banana Bread - banana bread gets a fun tropical twist from coconut and Almond Joy candy pieces www.insidebrucrewlife.com

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 Java 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???

Almond Joy Banana Bread

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Yield: 1 loaf

Almond Joy Banana Bread

Banana bread gets a fun tropical twist by adding coconut and Almond Joy candy pieces. The candy gives it a fun pop of color.

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, room temperature

1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

4 very ripe bananas

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups flour

1 1/4 cups coconut, divided

1/2 cups chopped almonds

1/2 cups miniature chocolate chips

1 cup Almond Joy Pieces the round candies in a bag)

Instructions

In a bowl, sift together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugars until creamy. Add the eggs, banana, and vanilla. Slowly add the flour mixture until all is incorporated. Stir in the miniature chips, candies, almonds, and 1 c. coconut.
Grease a 9 1/2 by 5 1/2 pan and fill with the batter. Sprinkle with the extra 1/4 c. coconut. Bake at 350* for 1 hour. Reduce heat to 325* and bake an extra 10 minutes, if needed. Cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before releasing from the pan. Cool completely before cutting. Keep covered.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2012/07/almond-joy-banana-bread/

Addicted to Almond Joy like me?

Banana Reese’s Cookies

June 28, 2012 46 Comments

Happiness is…

Banana Reese's Cookies - easy cake mix cookie with banana and Reese's http://www.insidebrucrewlife.com

*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!!!

Banana Reese's Cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 30 cookies

Banana Reese's Cookies

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

Ingredients

1 chocolate cake mix

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 brown bananas, smashed

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips

1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped

1/2 cup Reese's 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/

Still craving more Reese’s?

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

S’mores Popcorn Munch

June 22, 2012 24 Comments

Sweet and salty S’mores Popcorn is a great treat for any movie night.

S'mores Popcorn | Inside BruCrew Life - sweet and salty popcorn tossed with marshmallow, Golden Grahams, and chocolate bars #hersheys #smores

We have a YMCA membership that I reluctantly use.

I say reluctantly, kind of…

with all the sweets that keep pouring out of my kitchen

I need the gym more than ever now.

I work out…I eat cookies for lunch.

I work out…I eat donuts for snack.

See how vicious the cycle is? I’m thinking that isn’t the best plan.

Unfortunately the working out is only keeping me at the same weight…

believe me, there is no weight loss going on over here:-)

I have a confession to make…

when I go to the gym, I kind of sort of people watch, while I run on the treadmill.

I can’t help it.

Want to know some of the stuff that goes on at my gym?

*There are your die hard work out girls…sweatbands and no smiles. All work. These are the serious ones…they are probably putting a good dent in their new year’s resolution. I’m going to say it is safe to say they don’t blog about desserts and just maintaining their weight. They look a little too “muscle-y”!

*One lady comes to the gym with a cute flower headband on…yea, I don’t see her working very hard. The flower in her hair makes me giggle every single time I see her though.

*Next there are a few ladies who come in cute matching gym outfits…and make up. They are very color coordinated. I really don’t think they plan on sweating much either. Don’t get me wrong…I am all for cute gym clothes, but that much coordination shouldn’t happen if you are really just planning on sweating.

*One day I saw a man walking down the hall in bare feet…eeeewwww on so many levels. It was seriously disgusting!!! You will never see me walking without shoes in a fitness place…or in any public place!

*How about the mom who was texting her son? Turns out he wanted to know if I was married or single…not sure which is funnier…sort of being asked out by a teenager at the gym through his mom or being asked out by some old dude who still goes to the gym with his mom. I’m really kind of glad I never saw him…could have creeped me out more! *shiver*

*Then we have the high school/college couple that makes out in the fitness room. Really? Are the weight machines really the place for this? I think not. Step away from the machines, so I can attempt to lift something other than cookies and cakes.

The only thing that would make this people watching show better…
having a big ole bag of this yummy popcorn on the front of my treadmill.
The problem with that…then I become the one people look and laugh at and probably blog about:-)

I better keep the popcorn home where I can fully enjoy
all the chocolate covered goodness!
Running becomes so much better when you know you can go home and
eat marshmallows, chocolate bars, and golden grahams:-)
Plus, then I am not distracted by all the gym people!

Want more S’MORES goodness?

Check out these other recipes:-)

Cheesecake S’mores Danish

Espresso S’mores Cookies

Peanut Butter S’more Blondies

S’mores Popcorn Munch

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 12 cups

S’mores Popcorn Munch

Popcorn tossed in white chocolate with marshmallows, chocolate chunks, and Golden Grahams

Ingredients

8 cups popped popcorn

2 cups miniature marshmallows

1 1/2 cups chocolate candy bar chunks (about 16 snack size Hershey bars)

2 cups Golden Grahams cereal

12 oz. white melting chocolate (I use Candiquik)

blue gel food coloring

1/4 cups colored sprinkles

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the popcorn, marshmallows, candy bar chunks, and cereal. In a microwave safe bowl, place the white melting chocolate. Heat and stir every 30 seconds until melted. Remove 1/4 cup melting chocolate and set aside. Pour 1 1/4 cup melting chocolate over the popcorn. Toss until everything is coated. Pour out onto a wax paper lined baking sheet. Refrigerate about 5 minutes. Break into chunks.
In a bowl, combine the leftover 1/4 cup melted chocolate and tint with the blue food coloring, until it is the color you want. Place the blue chocolate into a plastic baggie and cut off the tip. Drizzle over the popcorn and sprinkle with colored sprinkles. Store in a sealed container.

http://insidebrucrewlife.com/2012/06/smores-popcorn-munch/