Lady Brownies (plus Cream Cheese Brownie Recipe)

These are adapted from a Paula Deen recipe. It's my favorite brownie recipe! It's super easy and makes a 9x13 pan FULL! It uses cocoa (which I have on hand) and not chocolate (which I never seem to have). Also, it uses oil instead of butter. Now I realize they're not "healthy" but it makes me feel a teeny tiny bit better that I'm using canola oil instead of butter. LOL Also, you don't have to pull your mixer out--just stir and go!

2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
2 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cocoa

Stir together in a mixing bowl.

4 eggs
1 cup oil (I use canola)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Stir into dry mixture. You can mix the wet ingredients together in a separate bowl but you don't have to. Just be sure to mix the ingredients really well.

Optional:

Add 1 cup chopped nuts

Pour into greased 9x13 pan. Bake in preheated 325 degree oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes. 25 minutes for very fudgy brownies; 35 for more cake-like brownies. The center will be a little "jiggly" when done.

Note: Use self-rising flour instead of the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Cheese Brownies:

1 stick butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon flour

Beat together the butter and cream cheese. Add sugar, eggs and flour. Beat until well blended. Pour over brownie mixture in pan. Use a butte knife to swirl into the brownie mixture. Bake as described above.

I admit I haven't made the cream cheese part but I have a friend that has and she said they're really yummy.

Mississippi Mud Cake

Photo taken by Delores Bailey.

This may not look like much.  But oh my!  It’s very yummy!  The only thing that might improve it is some peanut butter spread under the marshmallows. 

First you need to make a batch of brownies.  I suggest Lady Brownies (without the cream cheese) but probably any brownie would do, especially if they are a bit thick. 

Right after pulling the brownies out of the oven, sprinkle about ½ bag of mini marshmallows (or large ones cut with scissors into about 4 pieces each).  Return to the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they start melting.  Remove from oven and pour the icing over them.  Swirl a bit if you desire.

Icing

1 stick butter

1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1 pound powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Place the butter, milk and cocoa in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Stir constantly until butter is melted.  Cook for another 2 minutes (stirring constantly) or until mixture thickens slightly.  Beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla (a whisk works well or you can use your mixer).