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.

Banana Bread is a great snack for anytime of day. You can eat it for Breakfast, Brunch or with afternoon Tea or Coffee. This Bread is so easy to make too. You don’t even need a mixer or bread maker. Just follow the recipe below. It makes one loaf.

1 1/2 Cups Sugar
1 Stick Butter (softened)
1 3/4 Cups Flour
1 Cup Ripe Bananas, mashed (2-3 bananas)
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Buttermilk*
1 tsp Soda
1 tsp Vanilla
1 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts

Cream sugar and butter. Add eggs, vanilla and buttermilk and mix. Sift together flour and soda and add to wet mixture in 3 parts stirring just until mixed. Add bananas and nuts then mix until incorporated. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 1/2 hours.

* - You can substitute 2 teaspoons of Vinegar in 1/2 cup of Milk for Buttermilk.

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Here are some tips for cooking and baking up your Easter Holiday Dinner.

The En tree -

Barbecue Brisket - Marinate a trimmed Brisket in Italian or Balsamic Dressing and slow cook it on the Grill. All you need to do is wrap the Brisket in Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil and cover it with the Dressing and Seasonings and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight in the Refrigerator. Then place the entire foil wrapped Brisket on the Barbecue Pit for approximately 3 or 4 hours until cooked.

Desserts -

Desserts are usually the easy and fun part. This Easter I am going to bake up some Cupcakes from a store bought mix and fill the center with a creamy filling and top it off with icing and Easter themed Sprinkles that I bought at the store. For the filling I was thinking about some strawberries blended with some whipped white icing in a can. All you need to do then is pipe it in the cupcake using an icing bag then frosting the top of the cupcakes with a white or chocolate frosting. There are so many things you can do with cupcakes. Just experiment and have fun with it.

Here’s wishing Everyone a Happy Easter!

Pecan Pralines is one of my favorite Candies at Christmas Time. I especially love to make them for family and friends as Gifts. Everyone loves them and looks forward to them at Family Gatherings and Parties during the Season.

Please enjoy this recipe and Happy Holidays!!

Pecan Praline Candy Recipe