Most of the photos here at Rabbit Run Cottage
can be enlarged just by clicking on each one!
There you go...see? Easy!

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Little Pieces Of Heaven...In Technicolor

Okay. I am a fool for many things but there is nothing quite like an M & M. Unless it is a handful of M & Ms. Or a dish full. Or a barrel full...well, you get the idea. Alone, each one is but a teasing blip in my mouth but as a group...pure, unadulterated chocolate bliss.
Who would have guessed that the idea for M&M'S was hatched against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War? Legend has it that, while on a trip to Spain, Forrest Mars Sr. encountered soldiers who were eating pellets of chocolate encased in a hard sugary coating. This prevented it from melting. Inspired by this idea, Mr. Mars went back to his kitchen and invented the recipe for M&M'S .
M&M'S were first sold in 1941, and soon became a favorite of the American GIs serving in World War II. Packaged in cardboard tubes, they were sold to the military as a convenient snack that traveled well in any climate. By the late 1940s, they were widely available to the public, who gave them an excellent reception. In 1948, their packaging changed from a tube form to the characteristic brown pouch we know today....well, at least *I* know it and know it well. All TOO well.
Tiny little bits of heaven....first, the satisfying crunch and then, that sweet chocolate melting on your tongue. Not in your hands...remember?
~Brownie Hearts~
1 bag M&M'S® Brand Milk Chocolate Candies for Valentine's Day
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1 stick butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
Heart-shaped cookie cutters
8 x 8-inch pan
Cooking spray
1. Spray cooking spray into an 8 x 8-inch pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place the butter and unsweetened chocolate into a saucepan over low heat and melt. Stir to make smooth; set aside to cool, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the sugar and vanilla; stir to incorporate.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring to combine after each addition.
5. Add the flour, stirring to mix it thoroughly.
6. Add 1 cup of M&M'S® Brand Milk Chocolate Candies for Valentine's Day and stir to combine. 7. Place into the prepared pan, making sure the mixture is level and smoothed.
8. Sprinkle 1/2 cup M&M'S® Brand Milk Chocolate Candies for Valentine's Day onto the top.
9. Place into the oven and bake 20-25 minutes, or until it tests done.
10. Let cool completely and cut with a heart-shaped cookie cutter.
Use leftover brownie pieces to top your favorite ice cream, or mix them into a milkshake. Wow...so yummy!
Share these with your precious loved ones...or, just eat them all by yourself! Why not? BROWNIES...BROWNIES...the word alone is music to my ears. Who better to appreciate their rich, gooey goodness then you? Hmmm? Not those ungrateful family members who did not help you one little bit while you were slaving over a hot oven...oh no. They were all much too busy working to support the family or doing homework...noooo...and they think they deserve one of these precious treasures? HA! Oh no...they are mine I tell you! All mine!! MINE!!Um...*deep breath* Now, what was I saying?
Now, let's turn down the lights,
stoke up that fire, put on a little mood music....
~Fondue for Two~
Take a dip into a chocolate heaven with some
savory strawberries, perfect for sharing with someone special. Or, heck. Romance Schromance. Eat it all yourself. Come on! We are talking about thick, dark, gooey, melted chocolate and sweet, juicy strawberries! CHOCOLATE! CHOCOLATE! I deserve it all...ME!! ME!!
1 bag Dove Brand Rich Dark Chocolate Hearts
1 cup heavy cream
Fresh strawberries
In a small pot, heat the heavy cream to boiling.
Unwrap the DOVE® Brand Rich Dark Chocolate Hearts; place in a bowl
and pour the heated heavy cream on top.
Let the mixture sit about 5 minutes;
stir to make sure the chocolate is melted. Can be made in advance and re-heated when ready to serve.
Please excuse my outburst earlier....I am so ashamed by my selfish behavior. You see, when I hear the word chocolate I get a bit light headed, a case of cocoa powder vertigo if you will. I lose control, oh, nothing to worry about. There are medications to prevent this but my perscription has expired. I am nothing if not generous with my chocolate...nothing. Chocolate. Is it hot in here or is it me? Whew. Chocolate. I am truly a saint when it comes to sharing my choco...excuse me. What are you doing Danny? GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY CHOCOLATE!! NOW!!
This post has been canceled by the management. There is nothing more to see here. Please return to your homes. Thank you for your cooperation.

13 comments:

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

ok missy, do you realize just by READING your blog I have gained 5 lbs?? Imagine if I was actually EATING it.....oh lord...my thighs, arms and tummy already have their own zip code...I'd be a whole other country! lol!
It's fun to look at and read about though!
XOXO

Andi said...

Okay, you outdid yourself with this recipe! I too love M&M's...those tasty little morsels.

How 'bout those Colts!!! Mission accomplished!!!

jafabrit said...

management smamigment!!!!! hah!!!!!!!
What an interesting backstory on m&m's.

TK Angels said...

The M&M's Valentine's Brownies look heavenly. I think Kayla and Tyler would love them. Umm maybe grandma would like them even more! Will have to make some soon.

Take care,
Love,
Terri

Betty Jo said...

Sue,
What an incredibly "sweet" and delightful blog you have! I'm so glad I found your link at Daisy Cottage. Now I'm off to read more before my visit is complete. Please come by to visit me when you can.
Velcro Hugs,
~Betty Jo~

Karla Dudley said...

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm thanks for the history and the recipies!!!!!

LAter girlie -Karla

The French Nest said...

Wow! Loved the little story about M & M's...who knew?

As if the brownie recipe didn't look decadent enough, I scrolled down only to see a picture of FUDGE!!!

The Polka Dot Pixie said...

Oh dear!!! I think I am going to be addicted to this blog!!! Thanks for all the yummy recipes. My family will be thanking you too!!!

Brown English Muffin said...

ok I'm going to be the thorn in the side and state that I prefer the English version of MM's called Smarties...same concept chocolate encased in suger coating but they taste so different...I know that's my story for everything but I'm sticking with it!!

Jolene George said...

LOL! You know...I think that if a non chocolate lover read this you could possible swing them in to loving it. I DO love chocolate and this made me love it more and crave it too!

Nonie said...

Sounds yummy! I love M&M's too. Put a handful in your mouth and just let them melt...ummmm..

TJ said...

...and you have heard about the green M&M's...hmmm???
;-D

Cheryl Wray said...

WOW, I think I have died and gone to Chocolate Heaven!!!! LOL
The Dove chocolate fondue sounds absolutely WONDERFUL!! I really may have to make that for a Valentine's treat for me and my hubby!!
Thanks for the recipes!!!