Sunday, October 15, 2017

KNOCK YOU NAKED BROWNIES & SOME TRIVIA

This recipe comes from Ree Drummond and her book, The Pioneer Woman Cooks.  She includes a lot of great recipes but this one was chosen because of the name, which gave me the giggles, and I was trying to figure out if eating this treat would really want to make a person actually get naked.

KNOCK YOU NAKED BROWNIES

INGREDIENTS
1/3 Cup + 1/2 Cup Evaporated Milk
1 Box German Chocolate Cake Mix
1/2 Cup (1 Stick) Butter, melted
1 Cup Finely Chopped Pecans
60 Unwrapped Caramels
1/3 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar, Sifted

DIRECTIONS
1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, then grease and flour a  x  inch baking pan
2.  Into a bowl, port 1/3 cup evaporated milk with the cake mix.
3.  Add the melted butter and chopped pecans, then mix together.  The mix will be pretty thick.
4.  Divide the dough in half down the middle and press it into the bottom of the pan to make the first brownie layer.
5.  Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until set, then remove it from the oven and set aside
6.  While the brownie layer is baking in a double boiler (or a glass bowl set over a bowl of simmering water), combine the caramels and 1/2 cup evaporated milk..  Stir occasionally until the caramels are totally melted and the mixture is smooth.
7.  Pour the caramel mixture over the first baked layer, spreading it so that it's evenly distributed, then sprinkle the chocolate chips all over  the top.
8.  Next, on a clean surface or a sheet of parchment paper, press the remaining brownie dough into a square shape slightly smaller than the baking pan.  Carefully set it on top of the chocolate chips, and bake for 20-25 minutes.  Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool to room temperature, then cover the pan and refrigerate for several hours, allowing them to set.
9.  When ready to serve, sprinkle them with powdered sugar and cut into large rectangles before removing them from the pan.

HALLOWEEN TRIVIA
I don't watch scary movies the way I did as a kid, but this is the time of year to get your binge on with plenty of classics.  Here's a few secrets from behind the scenes.

Hocus Pocus - 1993 - was almost titled The Halloween House

The Craft, released in 1996, went through 600 girls, tested 90 women and struggled for 9 months before all 4 girls were cast.

The Blair Witch Project released in 1999 only cost $60,000 to film, however, it actually earned close to $287 million world-wide. 

They saved money by wearing their own clothing, holes and all.  In addition, the small handprints on the wall were placed there by the art director's nephews by using black paint.

HALLOWEEN VACATION
If you're really into Halloween and want to experience the day in all its glory, take a trip to St. Helens, Oregon, which is also where Halloweentown from the Disney Channel was filmed in 18.  They have haunted houses, parades, a monster fun run and a haunted hot rod rally for your scary enjoyment. 


HAUNTED HOUSES
Have you ever been to a haunted house?  I went to one in Baltimore when I was a kid, and one in Virginia Beach as an adult.  Let me just say that both places pretty much scared me to death.  One thing I hate is that once you go in and get started, you can't turn around to go back  - and believe me I tried in both places.(lol)So then you end up trying your best to run through the place as quickly as possible and maintain your sanity.  What's scary is the surprise of someone like a vampire appearing unexpectedly, or being touched with an unseen creepy finger on your ankle or neck. My throat was pretty much raw from screaming, so you already know I won't be going back.



ARE YOU A BOSS?
October 16 is Bosses Day which originated in 1958.  If you're a boss, give yourself permission to take off today.  If you have a boss, give him/her a cupcake or card of appreciation, then ask for the day off.


STRANGE PRACTICE by Vivian Shaw
A fan of vampire novels, I've never heard of a physician who specializes in treating the undead, so I was intrigued.  But that's what Dr. Greta Helsing quietly does in her London neighborhood, until trouble comes.  This sounded pretty fascinating, or so I thought.

This novel was hilariously reviewed by someone on Youtube, and while he bashes it to death, this guy does give some really solid reasons of why you should NOT read it ever.  By the time he was done, I felt really sorry for that author. YIKES!


Taylor Winston, a veteran,  grabbed a truck with the keys in it that had been left at the festival unattended, and miraculously managed to get 30 critically injured people to the hospital in the midst of all the chaos and danger in Las Vegas. Not once did he think about his own safety. To show gratitude for Taylor's bravery and kindness, BF Motors provided him with a brand new truck.  Bravo!

58 comments:

  1. I'll take just about any kind of brownies lol, one of the few sweets I will go for if I see them out. :) And thanks for mentioning the veteran who saved all those lives. Nice to hear about those stories...

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    1. That's my problem, Greg. Too many cheeseburgers, chocolate and books, but I could have worse vices I guess. I was so happy to hear that Taylor received that FREE truck after sacrificing his own safety to help others. Such a kind and brave man. Hugs and Happy Monday! RO

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  2. Brownies. Mmmmm.
    And they are part of the reason why my naked self is not appetising.
    Hooray for Taylor Winston - and for BF motors recognising his bravery.

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    1. LOL! EC - you are so adorable and fun, and your comments always make me smile. I don't believe that's the case about those brownies, of course, but we'll just pretend I agree with you - NOT. (lol) It's so wonderful to hear good news, isn't it? Hugs and may your day be special. RO

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  3. My dad took us once and at the end of it was Jason Vorhees from Fthe13th. That was fun.

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    1. OMG - I may have actually fainted Adam at the end of that haunted trip! Curious minds are dying to know if you were scared out of your wits during your tour? It's been years for me, and I can still picture me trying to turn back - several times! (lol) Hugs...

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  4. I don't figure you can go wrong with just about any brownies in my opinion.

    The veteran who took the 30 people to the hospital is one of many stories of heroism that need to be told, it is really nice to hear stories like this.

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    1. I could use a brownie right now, Jimmy and dang the calories. (lol) Like you, I enjoy hearing the good stories. Happy Monday! RO

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  5. I saw an interview with Taylor Winston on the BBC. He was incredibly brave, and so deserves that truck.
    I love the name of the brownies and would be happy to eat them with or without my clothes! I don’t like anything scary so will be giving haunted houses and frightening films a miss.

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    1. I was thrilled to see that he received that truck too, Barbara! I could tell you some crazy stories about those haunted houses (lol) but thank goodness those days are gone. Hugs...and may your day be amazing! RO

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  6. I've never seen any of those films, and I feel like a fool every time someone brings up a horror film around Halloween. And that book doesn't sound very plausible, either.

    So glad Taylor Winston received the truck. Heroism is in short supply until something like this occurs. Then heroes come out of the woodwork and most of them are vets!

    That brownie recipe gave me an insulin shock just reading it (grin). I wonder how many calories there are in a 1 inch square brownie.

    Hope your Monday is super, Ro.

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    1. I was totally fascinated with that title, Elizabeth, and pretty much forgot about the calorie load. (lol) I love hearing the good stories when they come for sure. Don't feel bad, there are tons of people who could care less about scary movies. (lol) That book review really sounded crazy! Hope your day is as special as you are! Hugs...RO

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  7. Oh, I love Halloween - those facts are fun!

    And I'm a big fan of brownies, so I'm thinking I'd enjoy these. Funny name for them though. :)

    -lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. Brownies sure are yummy, but I try my best not to eat too many of them. It's sometimes very hard though. (lol) I enjoy seeing the costumes that people dream up. That always makes it fun! Hugs...

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  8. My mom's a huge fan of the Pioneer Woman. Always tries to share her recipes with me. But for the sake of my waistline, I just can't do it. Those brownies would disappear in a hurry in this house.

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    1. I try to DVR most of her programs on the Food Network because her recipes are super simple to make. With all she has going, I just don't know how she gets everything done, and seems so calm and bubbly.(lol) Us moms are always trying to give food away, aren't we? Hugs...RO

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  9. Great post, yum on the treats and it makes my heart happy to hear about heroes! Thanks RO

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    1. I was really happy to hear about that new car, too Debbie! Hugs...RO

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  10. I made those brownies years ago! And while worthy of the name, because they are REALLY good, they had a much more sedate name. I think they were just called turtle brownies.....
    Winston is a true hero. It does my heart good that BF Motors provided him with a new truck:)
    Have a week filled with sparkle, Rockin Ro:)
    Hugs

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    1. I think they have been around for some time, Sandra, and but turtle brownies just doesn't sound as fun, you know? lol I loved hearing what Winston had received to honor his bravery. I hope your week is fantabulous, Super Sandra! Hugs...

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    2. Turtle brownies definitely doesn't have the same ring does it? Grin.
      I loved the 'give your boss a cupcake then ask for a day off'. Heh.Heh. Good one.
      Hugs

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    3. LOL! Most bosses probably figured out the bribes early on, huh?

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  11. Hi RO :) So many people talk about the Pioneer Woman and I've seen a few of her shows a long time ago, I should check out her recipes, I'm sure they are right up my alley!

    Oh gosh, I had to giggle at "The Craft"...silly silly movie ha ha. But I saw Blair Witch in theatres and had a heck of a time sleeping that night...I still watch it now and then, I really like that and the first Paranormals.

    When I was a kid at an amusement park, I was pushed into going into the Haunted House and it scared me too much, I never went in again!

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    1. Sometimes I DVR her shows on The Food Network because most of her recipes are pretty easy. The Craft really was something else, wasn't it? I can't believe how successful The Blair Witch was, and I heard a lot of people were super scared too. I don't blame you one bit for passing on the haunted house. (lol) Hugs...

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  12. Halloween movies that are more fun than scary I will do, but Haunted Houses, noooo! ;)

    Neat story of bravery about Taylor. And ha, the name of those brownies...

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    1. If something is funny and not scary, I may be able to stomach it on tv, but the jury's still out on that one Super Sophia. (lol) I totally fell in love with the name of those brownies. So fun! Hugs...

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    1. Hope your week has been going well, Nadene! Hugs...RO

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  14. I love haunted houses, cemeteries, ghost tours, B&B's etc. LOL

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    1. If we hung out, I'd definitely have to stay outside reading a book while you do your haunted house tour. (lol) Hugs...RO

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  15. OK, I'm a dufus. I left a comment on your previous post, thinking it was this one. Here it is again:
    You might want to check out my blog posts today and tomorrow (Tues & Wed). You are going to be drooling, I suspect.

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    1. Yay! You started off my Thursday morning with a blast of yummy goodness, Elizabeth and I thank you so very, very much! You are the bestest! Hugs...RO p.s. - I am definitely drooling. (lol)

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  16. Mmmm brownies sound real good with it being chilly today!

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    1. I know brownies weren't your thing last year, Awesome Anna, after the cooking thing (lol) Perhaps a new start this time around? Hugs...

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    1. You know I love my chocolate, but have to be super careful of the sugar thing these days, Mary. Hugs...RO

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  18. I giggled at the name of the recipe too. :)

    I love, love, love, scary movies and haunted houses. I went to a theme park that specialized in Halloween and it was so much fun. They have people walking around in the fog with chainsaws (no chains) chasing you, people grabbing you from hiding places, haunted houses that are SO creepy. Just a ton of fun!

    Enjoy the rest of your week!
    Elsie

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    1. OMG Elsie, you would have a had a friend beside you passed out on the ground if I actually went to a Halloween themed park, or one who would have sprinted through like the 100 yard dash had we gone together. (lol) Back in the day when I was a kid, I probably would have loved this though. Hugs...

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  19. Not real fond of getting scared in the movies.

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    1. I'm totally with you on that one! Give me a good romance or action film instead! Hugs...

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  20. I'm a freelancer, so I guess that makes me my own boss. Should I buy myself a present?! I remember Blair Witch Project scaring the crap out of me when I saw it in theaters. That one messed with your mind! It doesn't hold up well, though. I tried getting someone else to watch it ten years ago and she thought it was silly. I think you had to be there at the time.

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    1. As much as you do Steph, you definitely deserve to give yourself several cool gifts! I think a lot of people feel that way about Blair Witch. the scariness had to be immediate, or it just didn't work out the same. Still amazes me that it made so much cash, though. p.s. - I hope you don't mind if I post some of your book pics on my Instagram? They're such fun covers! Hugs...RO

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  21. Oh, your Halloween trivia was fun. I didn't know any of those facts except Blair Witch. Not the exact numbers but I knew it was cheap to produce and made a lot of money.

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    1. You've caught on to my fascination of useless trivia, Deanna, and can't seem to help myself. (lol) Hugs...

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  22. Replies
    1. Doesn't that recipe sound so fun? Hugs...RO

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  23. Great recipe and scary movies...oh my I haven't seen one in ages. Greetings to you and yours!

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    1. LOL! I haven't seen a scary movie in ages either Blogoratti, and I dare not go back down memory lane! (lol) Hugs...RO

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  24. I NEED that cookbook, that looks straight up legit!! (Of course, I have waaaay too many cookbooks.. but still! haha...) - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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    1. Gingi, you're back!!!!! Sure hope you've been doing well, and I'm thrilled to hear from you! A girl can never have too many cookbooks, right? Hugs...RO

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  25. I don't often watch scary movies but this time of year is great for them!

    All the best Jan

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  26. I never thought to add pecans and evaporated milk to brownies, but that does sound good.
    I only went into a haunted house type of attraction in a theme park once, but that wasn't too scary, besides that I haven't experienced one and I am not sure if I want to as that does sound scary.

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  27. Brownies are my weakness. I've never thought of putting evap milk in them before. I will have to give this recipe a try.

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  28. I used to watch horror movies in my early 20's and then I came to some enlightenment that the majority of them were just slasher movies, I am not into all the blood and the ones that were supernatural scary just scared me to the point I could barely sleep... not the best thing... I have never been to a haunted house, I would consider going if I could get a large group so I could be in the middle and hopefully feel a little bit safer... lol

    Kudos to Taylor Winston for saving so many people without thought for himself... that was a sad and horrible incident...

    Have a great week Ro xox

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