Toe Tappin' Tuesdays...

Get your groove on and join me...

A Cause for Independence...

What did you do for Independence Day??

I totally love the idea of hugely ginormous firework displays. They're Most Impressive.
However... what I don't love are the crowds, the noise and all the terrible smelling smoke involved.

So, what we choose to do instead: spend a quiet evening at home assembling care packages for our Military Men and Women who are stationed overseas. We've been doing it for years now and is something of a tradition at our house. It really helps to bring special meaning to this holiday for our family. And is just a small way for us to thank those folks who are ultimately responsible for our way of life. The sacrifices they make are great, the recognition they receive is little.

I encourage you to visit the AnySoldier.Com website and think about sending a card, a letter or a package to someone special serving in our military. Help to let them know how much they are appreciated, supported and loved.

It's a truly awesome thing to do... anytime of year.

Toe Tappin' Tuesdays... Let's Skate!

I'm not exactly sure why... I can't seem to put my finger exactly on the reason -but this song SO totally reminds me of the music they used to play at the roller rink when I was a kid. We're talkin' Waaaaaayyyyy back. Like circa era 1979-1982.
Hmmm. Is it just me? Or do you pick up that vibe too??
I couldn't pick which clip I liked better for this tune...So here's two equally cool versions of Electric Feel by MGMT.Above: The Rock-Fire Explosion Below: A cool take on the lyrics

S'mores Brownies... Seriously!

Whoa!

Let's just start by saying:
I cannot even begin to describe the heavenly scent
that is saturating and enveloping the house right about now.
Oh. Good. Lord. Have Mercy.

I discovered this delectable debauchery over at Joy the Baker and whipped up a batch this morning. And since my camera lens is on the fritz (again!) I'm borrowing one of her tantalizing photos... be sure to check out her wonderful blog - complete with step by step documentation :) These goodies look and smell Ahhhhmazing. Simple to make and sure to be a total crowd pleaser for our 4th of July block party tomorrow night. Of course, I'm more than a little nervous to cut into them and am keeping my fingers crossed that they'll make it that long!

S’mores Brownies

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
5 large eggs
1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup graham cracker, roughly crushed with your hands
12 big marshmallows (I also diced 6 additional marshmallows and stirred them into the batter. These marshmallows dissolve when baked, so you can leave them out, or throw them in. Up to you!)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 9×13-inch baking pan with 2-inch-high sides.

Combine first 3 ingredients in small bowl. Stir butter and chocolate in a medium sized bowl over a heavy saucepan of simmering water. Stir chocolate and butter in this double boiler until melted and smooth.

Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla in large bowl to blend. Stir in warm chocolate mixture, then dry ingredients. Fold in graham crackers. Pour batter into prepared pan. Dot with 12 large marshmallows. Bake until toothpick inserted into center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 30- 40 minutes minutes.

Marshmallows will be browned and puffy but will deflate as the brownies cool. Cool for at least 20 minutes than slice with a sharp knife, cleaning the knife with hot water if it gets too messy and sticky. Serve or wrap individually in wax paper for storing.

Enjoy! I know we will :)