So you are just dying for a gourmet brownie but really don’t want to spare the expense? You can take an ordinary box of brownie mix and make it look and taste as if you bought it at a Gourmet Restaurant.

1 Box Fudge Brownie Mix
6 oz bag mini chocolate chips
2/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 can chocolate frosting

Cut open and pour brownie mix into a large mixing bowl. Add pecans and chips to the mix first and mix it together. This will keep the pecans and chips from sinking to the bottom when cooking. Add water, oil and eggs as per directions on the box. Mix until just combined. Do not beat or over-mix. Poor into a 13×9, 9×9 or 7×11 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes — depending on the size of your pan. Do not overbake. Remove from over and let cool completely before cutting.

Next, cut brownie into squares and place on a saucer. Spread a little frosting on top of each and top with a few chopped nuts.

More Ideas:

–Try adding a dollop of cool whip and a few sliced strawberries on top instead of frosting.
–Or you can try a scoop of your favorite ice cream on top.
–For a more elegant look if you are entertaining, place a doily on your plate then place the brownie on top.

3-4 Eggs
1 T Half-n-Half or Milk
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
3 Slices of Bacon (cut into pieces)
1/4 cup diced Onions
1 T Chopped Sweet Roasted Red Peppers(Jar)
1 T diced Green Bell Peppers
1 diced Green Onion
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese

Fry Bacon in an Oven-Safe Skillet until crisp. Drain fat from pan. Add Onions and Bell Pepper and saute on medium-low heat until onions are clear. Add Green Onion and Red Peppers and saute for a minute.

Whisk together Eggs, Half-n-Half and Seasonings in a small bowl then poor over Bacon mixture. Continue cooking a few minutes until edges begin to cook and pull away from sides. Place in the oven on 350 degrees until Eggs are cooked but not dry. Top with Cheese and continue baking in oven until cheese is melted.

Let cool for about 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. Makes 2 or 3 servings. Or eat half for Supper and save the rest for Breakfast!!

Note: You can also add veggies like chopped Broccoli or Spinach to this recipe. Enjoy!

It’s only just turned July and the temperature is steady rising but you can cool down with one of these yummy Icy cool Snack ideas.

Root beer Floats — Yum! As a kid we made these often during the summer. All you do is add a couple of scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream to a tall glass then fill it up with root beer. Add a straw or a long dessert spoon and you are good to go!

Homemade Ice Cream Sandwich — It is so easy to make your own ice cream sandwiches. Just take two large soft cookies (chocolate, chocolate chip etc…) and add a big scoop of your favorite flavored ice cream on one cookie and top it off with another! Oh So good!

Flavored Ice — Here’s a cool treat for the kids. It’s so easy even they can make it. All you need is to make a Pitcher of Flavored drink mix like, cherry, lemonade or tropical punch. Poor into Ice Cube trays and freeze. These are great added to flavored drinks without watering it down with regular ice. You can also serve them before they are completely frozen as a cold slushy eaten with a spoon.

Ice Cream Shake — Add two scoops of Ice Cream (any flavor) 1/4 cup milk or half and half and a 1/2 to 1 cup of ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in a tall glass with a straw. Note: Try putting some strawberries or bananas in the blender with the Ice Cream!

Snow Cones — One of the greatest summertime treats ever! You can buy the flavorings for snow cones at your local Super Market. They even sell snow cone makers in most super stores. They are inexpensive and so much fun to use especially for a Pool Party or even a Child’s Party.

Sunbeam #IS400 White Snow Cone Maker

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If you are one of the thousands who follow a diet then you will love this alternative to real Pizza. It is a much healthier way of getting your Pizza Fix. First I took a Whole Wheat, Whole Grain Bun and lightly buttered it. Then I toasted in under the broiler in my oven but just until it was slightly golden brown. Next I sprinkled it with some shredded Parmesan cheese then placed a layer of pepperoni* on top of the cheese. I then spooned about a tablespoon or two of Suger-Free tomato sauce on top of the pepperoni. Next I layered some cut up chicken and shredded pizza cheeses on top to finish it off. Place it back in the oven on 400 degrees until cheese is nice and bubbly. It was delicious. You can layer it with any of your favorite toppings including lean bacon or ham. Make a few at a time and bring one to Work for a great lunch!

Alternatives:
Use Low Fat cheeses and lean meats.
Use BBQ Sauce instead of Tomato or Pizza sauce for a different flavor.
Cut them up in to four for mini appetizers.

*I microwaved the pepperoni for about 20 to 30 seconds to get the oil of it before I put it on my pizza.