Magic Brownie Bars {Sugar Free Option}

OH.MY.GOODNESS! 

I was soo happy to see this recipe at Mandy's South Your Mouth linked
up at our Weekend Potluck.  She has sooo many amazing dishes!

This is such an easy and yummy treat to quickly whip up. I'd seen several versions around on the net so I just decided to make this my own. 

The base is a brownie mix...the topping is like Magic Bars.

(my recipe for sugar free sweetened condensed milk below)

What a perfect combination! I say whoever decided to put these two classics together was brilliant!!

I made mine sugar-free and they were awesome. A friend had given me a sugar free brownie mix so I was tickled when I saw this mouth-watering idea. 

Toasting the pecans first makes them even better, but it's optional.  

This would be a great addition to your holiday baking list, especially for those who have to limit their sugar intake. 

MAGIC BROWNIE BARS 
1 9" X 13" (sugar free) box brownie mix
Ingredients needed for brownie mix 
1 - 12 oz. bag butterscotch or chocolate chip morsels
(my sugar free recipe is here)
2 - 3 c. sweetened flaked coconut 
(I used unsweetened) 
1-1/2 c. chopped pecans, toasted (optional)
1- 14 ozs. can sweetened condensed milk
(My nearly-sugar free version is here)

Preheat oven to 350*. 

Line a 9" X 13" baking pan with foil and spray generously with cooking spray.

Prepare brownie mix according to package directions; spread evenly into prepared pan. 

Sprinkle morsels, coconut and pecans over top of brownie batter. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over top. Bake 35 - 40 minutes.
(Sugar free bakes faster - mine baked about 25 minutes). 
Bake until the top is browned nicely. 

Remove from oven; cool to room temp. Remove brownies from pan by lifting up on foil and cut into servings. 

Enjoy every tasty bite!!

Linked to Weekend Potluck
            Foodie Friends Friday

Homemade Fabric Softener

                                                                   

I love being able to make-my-own cleaners, soaps...and now fabric softener.  It isn't just frugal, it's better for the environment too.  I was just tickled to find this recipe at Mommy's Kitchen. Tina's blog is loaded with everyday delicious recipes using ingredients from the pantry....with lots of practical ideas too.   

I JUST LOVE THAT!!

Like Tina, I love the fragrance my Downy gives my clothes, so instead of having two separate mixtures, I added my homemade softener to about the same amount as the Downy left in my extra big bottle. 

It is working just fine - I'm 'extending' my store-purchased liquid with my homemade concoction...using white distilled vinegar, any hair conditioner and water!

Vinegar is known to be a great odor remover and doesn't leave behind the smell of vinegar. 

Check out Tina's page for her thoughts on this great DIY product.  Be sure to read the comments there too.  Several of her readers suggested adding a couple drops of essential oils to give the homemade softener (not mixed with Downy) a fragrance.  Read more there for other ideas....

Who doesn't want to save $$?  This costs less than $3.00 for a gallon!!!

HOMEMADE FABRIC SOFTENER

6 cups hot water

3 c. white distilled vinegar

2 c. hair conditioner (any brand)

1 empty gallon container

In large (microwave safe) bowl, mix vinegar and hair conditioner together (it will look a tad clumpy).

Place bowl in microwave and heat for a minute or two. This will ensure the ingredients will blend together. Remove from microwave and stir. 

Add hot water and mix to blend. Pour mixture into a one gallon container and store in laundry room. 

Use same amount as you would store-purchased softener. 

(though I always use about half as much as the label says).

Note: Be sure to shake bottle well before adding to dispenser, downy ball or directly in rinse cycle. 

Linked to Creative Thursday
              Mop it up Monday
            Weekend Potluck
           Freakin' Did it Friday
   Tips & Tricks

{Slow Cooker} Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

This is such a great way to begin your day...or end it too.  I love oatmeal any time of day!

For me, it was the perfect sweet-ness and spicy-ness I love. 

This is another one of Tiffany's recipes found at Eat at Home.

I think we must share taste buds. *-*

My oatmeal was done in about 4 hours...and to be honest, I cooked it the night 

before, then warmed it in the microwave for breakfast. 

(I'm determined to get a timer to plug my crockpot into so I can regulate when it comes on and goes off).   Just haven't done it yet, but I will. 

I used old-fashioned oats instead of steel cut...no doubt, steel cut

would have to cook longer to be the right consistency.  I just didn't add all the liquid using old-fashioned oats. 

This is awesome and I do hope you'll try it soon.  It is such a wonderful fall treat. 

Don't be surprised if your neighbors pop in for breakfast after smelling your breakfast cooking.  IT'S THAT GOOD! 

{SLOW COOKER} PUMPKIN SPICE OATMEAL 

1 c. steel cut oats 

3 c. water

1/2 c. brown sugar

(I used 1/4 c. brown sugar splenda)

1 - 12 ozs. evaporated (skim) milk

1 c. pumpkin puree

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg 

Spray the inside of slow cooker with cooking spray.

In large bowl, stir all ingredients together. Pour into slow cooker.

Cook on low for 4 - 5 hours, or overnight. (I would suggest adding more liquid if you're going to cook it all night long).  I place paper towels over the top of the crock, under the lid, to catch the moisture. 

Serve with extra milk if desired. 

Linked to Trick or Treat Tuesday
           Slow Cooker Thursday
             Back to School Recipe Roundup
         Whatcha Crockin Wednesday 

White Hot Chocolate - MMMM!

OH.MY.GOODNESS! 

Even though this is rich, I could hardly SIP this tasty drink...I wanted to drink it straight down...without stopping...cause it's oh so delicious! 

I found this at Inspirations by D through a blog hop. She has some great recipes and craft ideas there, so stop by and tell her I said hello. 

The tad bit of almond extract puts it over the top for me.  I also loved the touch of nutmeg and cinnamon....MMMMM De-Licious!

You could substitute pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon/nutmeg combo, to make it more fall-ish....=)
(click here for my homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe=) 

I lightened it some by using fat free half and half.  I also added fewer white chocolate chips and it was still awesome.

This makes 2 servings.  BEWARE: You may not want to share!

Enjoy it on a cool fall morning or evening.  It will warm you inside and out and make you feel very pampered. 

WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE 

3 c. (fat free) 1/2 & 1/2 or light cream

2/3 c. white baking pieces or chopped white chocolate baking squares

1 - 3 inch. cinnamon stick

1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. almond extract

ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish

whipped cream, optional 

In a medium saucepan combine 1/4 cup of the 1/2 & 1/2 , the baking pieces of chocolate, cinnamon stick and nutmeg.  Stir over low heat until baking pieces are melted.  Add remaining 1/2 & 1/2.  Cook and stir until heated through.  Remove from heat.  Remove and discard cinnamon stick.  Stir in vanilla and almond extract.  If desired add whipped cream and cinnamon or nutmeg to top it off.  

Enjoy every fabulous sip!


Linked to Mix it up Monday
              Mop it up Monday
                Trick or Treat Tuesday
            Weekend Potluck

Apple Crisp Pizza & Weekend Potluck #37 AND...An Exciting Announcement!

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK! 

AND...

When I share something worth sharing again...

This Apple Crisp Pizza is so yummy and easy!

Such a great fall dish...enjoy!

(click on link below) 

Apple Crisp Pizza


AND....ONE MORE THING! We Weekend Potluck gals
have been putting together some of our favorite fall recipes.
We will have an eCookbook available soon....Exciting stuff!!

Now, let's take a quick peek at last week......

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Creamy Hamburger Casserole by The 4 Little Fergusons

Recipes that caught our attention ~

Candy Corn Gooey Cake Bars by Inside BruCrew Life

Taco Ranch Chili by Full Hands, Full Hearts

If you were featured this week, don't forget to snag the featured button below...

Your hostesses ~

• Life as a Lofthouse ~ Holly
• 4 Little Fergusons~ Tonya
• The Country Cook~ Brandie
• Meet Penny ~ Tabitha
• The Better Baker ~ Marsha
• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all SIX blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

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