Easy Mint-Chocolate Bars

Bars

1 bag (1 lb 1.5oz) Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 Tbsp water
1 egg
1 dark candy bar (I like Ghirardelli)

Frosting

3 cups powdered sugar
1 pkg (3oz) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup butter, softened
2 Tbsp milk
¼ tsp mint extract
3 to 4 drops green food coloring

Glaze
1oz semisweet baking chocolate (or substitute some chocolate chips)
1 Tbsp butter

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom of 13x9-inch pan.

2. In a large bowl, stir all BAR ingredients until well mixed. Melt chocolate bar in microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth, add to cookie dough. Stir until chocolate is evenly through. Press into pan; bake 15-20 minutes. Cool about 10 minutes.

3. In large bowl, mix cream cheese and butter till smooth. Add powdered sugar, mix until smooth. Add rest of FROSTING ingredients, mix until smooth. Spread over bars.

4. In small bowl, microwave GLAZE ingredients for 30 seconds; stir until smooth. Drizzle over frosting. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until set. Cut into bars. Serve cold. Store covered in refrigerator.

*modified Betty Crocker recipe

I made these bite sized by cutting them into 2x1 1/2 inch pieces.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

I am re-decorating my bedroom and as usual prefer to do it at the lowest cost. This typically means do-it-yourself. For me a mirror is a must over a long dresser but I HATE mirror prices. I mentioned to a few people to keep an eye out at thrift stores or yard sales for me and it just so happens someone had one they were getting rid of! So I had a nice large mirror for free; unfortunately it wasn’t my style and was hung the wrong way. Here is how I “fixed” it.



What I used: a few strong picture hangers, heavy gauge wire, spray paint, dark gold rub, and wall rub-on.

First (if it is rigged to hang the way you don’t want it) lay the mirror upside down on carpet or cardboard. Remove the old hardware and wire. If it is in good condition reuse it, if not buy new and attach it with screws.

Next, flip it back over, lightly sand the frame, then thoroughly clean it. Tape off the edges and then tape news paper to cover the mirror.

You are now ready to spray paint it. Use whatever color goes with your décor. I chose a bronze to compliment other bronze highlights in the room. Make sure the spray paint is appropriate for the material the frame is made of. Flip the mirror back side up once again and spray several light coats, allowing each coat to dry in between. It’s best to wait over night to do the other side but you can after a few hours if you must. Repeat on the front side until it is covered.

I wanted a slightly antique more dimensional feel to the frame so I bought dark gold rub (in paint section of craft store) and rubbed it lightly over the highlighted areas.

For a final flourish I used a rub-on wall decal that said “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder” and put it in the corner, following the directions that came with it.

The finished product!

Chicken Broccoli Skillet

This is a yummy, healthy, quick dinner. I found the recipie in a cooking magazine and changed it up a bit. You can put it over egg noodles, rice or mashed potatos. Feeds 4. Takes about 25 minutes total.

1-1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
2 cups frozen cut broccoli, thawed
1 cup shredded or cut carrots
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 can (10-3/4oz.) condensed cream of broccoli soup, undiluted
1 cup milk
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 cup shredded colby cheese

1. While making the recipe, cook mashed potatos, rice or eggs noodles to go with the chicken and broccoli skillet.

2. In a large skillet, saute onion in oil for a minute or two then add chicken, broccoli and carrots. Saute for 5-6 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.

3. Stir in the soup, milk and pepper. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with cheese. Remove from heat; cover and let stand until cheese is melted. Serve over desired dish. Goes well with biscuits.