Let me start off by saying that this past weekend was one of the most mentally exhausting ever. Family drama would be an understatement. We are talking like an episode of "Cops" drama. If I wouldn't have had these Smore's Bars to enjoy, it is likely that I would have committed murder at some point. Not really, but you can get the idea. Who likes chocolate? I love chocolate, it really does put me in a better mood.
I saw this today and it made me giggle:
That whole "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" saying kills me. Obviously the person that created that statement has never eaten fried chicken, pizza, french fries, butter or these ridiculously good Smore's Bars. Sure, I want to be skinny. Sure, I want to fit into size 3 jeans. But, I want cake more - just sayin.
I used to have will-power made of steel. You don't go from 200lbs to 130lbs by slacking up. And yes people, I have put on some pounds since my 130's, so you can stop rolling your eyes now. I worked out 7 days a week, rain or shine, sick or tired. Nothing stood in my way, not even cake. Granted, I didn't have a career or a fiance that constantly tells me how "perfect" I am at my current weight. Why do men do that? Great, you love me the way I am - I don't. So, how about you lie and call me a fatty or something? I tell Ryan he is my biggest will-power distraction. After 8 hours with 20 wild children, the last thing I want to do is go to the gym. Hello, couch please! However, if I thought my fiance was disgusted by my jiggle, I might feel a little more inclined to pass on the couch session. Thanks for thinking I'm beautiful Ryan, jerk.
I have a year and 5 months until the wedding, so I am not yet in the "holy crap, I don't want to look like Miss Piggy in my wedding dress" stage. I swear in 14 days when I am off for summer I will get my fat butt back in the gym. Until then, I will keep making calorie filled goodness. Okay, lets be honest, I will make calorie filled goodness once I'm back in the gym, I will just have to give it away immediately. Any takers? I thought so.
Okay, enough life story rambling for one day. Graham cracker crust, Chocolate, marshmallow fluff...need I say more? Get ready for glory of the mouth. I watched a grown man lick the platter clean after eating one of these, and no I am not joking. And believe it or not, it was not Ryan - he is growing up so fast. I am so proud of him when he uses his manners like a good boy.
Peanut Butter Cup S'mores Bars
Recipe courtesy of The Sweet Life
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
16 peanut butter cups, regular size
1 1/2 cups marshmallow fluff
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking dishing with parchment paper; coat lightly with cooking spray.
In a large bowl of the bowl of stand mixer, beat butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Scrape down the sides. With the mixer on low, stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, and graham cracker crumbs until mixed.
Spread 2/3 of the dough on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lightly press the peanut butter cups into the dough, then spread marshmallow fluff on top. Press the remaining dough on a non-stick surface into the shape of an 8×8 square. Place the square on top of the fluff and press down lightly.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges just begin to brown. Allow to cool for at least two hours to give the bars a chance to set, then remove from the pan and cut into squares with a large, sharp knife.
Some people (with questionable brains) don't like peanut butter cups. So, I made these Smore's bars with regular Hershey's Bars as well. I have to admit, I prefer them this way. There is just something about an eewy, gooey, chewy, s'mores bar.
S'mores Bars
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 extra large Hershey's Bars (milk chocolate)
1 1/2 cups marshmallow fluff
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking dishing with parchment paper; coat lightly with cooking spray.
In a large bowl of the bowl of stand mixer, beat butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Scrape down the sides. With the mixer on low, stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, and graham cracker crumbs until mixed.
Spread 2/3 of the dough on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lightly press the peanut butter cups into the dough, then spread marshmallow fluff on top. Press the remaining dough on a non-stick surface into the shape of an 8×8 square. Place the square on top of the fluff and press down lightly.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges just begin to brown. Allow to cool for at least two hours to give the bars a chance to set, then remove from the pan and cut into squares with a large, sharp knife.
