It’s Weekend Recap Monday!
First the fitness, then the deliciousness. 
Workout Recap (7/18-7/24)
- Monday – Tris/Chest, P90X Ab Ripper X, 84 push-ups
- Tuesday – 4 mile run, 84 push-ups
- Wednesday - Biceps/Back, abs, 84 push-ups
- Thursday - 84 push-ups
- Friday – 6 mile run
- Saturday – 8 mile run (8 min pace!!), 84 push-ups
- Sunday – Shoulders, P90X Ab Ripper X, 2 mile run, 84 push-ups
It was a big weekend for running. I don’t know what got into me. The extra 2 miles Sunday was sheer stubbornness – I was already so close to 20 miles in a week that I made myself get that last couple in.
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Saturday I got to see the now 1 week old Jackson - how cute is he?!
That's my massive-looking finger he's holding!
Mommy, Daddy and baby are all doing well. They are all so cute together – I can’t believe the girl I used to run around the softball field with now has a baby. Totally surreal.
Of course, I couldn’t drop by empty-handed.
I brought the new parents some of the treats I made to take to a friend’s beach volleyball party.
These baller-friends built a sand volleyball court right in their own backyard. It stays there year-round. Coolest. Idea. Ever.
We braved the heat and played for hours. I was impressed at the skill level of my friends! After a few rounds (and a minor injury), I decided to play it safe and spectate.
My thumb is a hard-core shade of purple today.
Volleyball = not one of my many skills
The Chipotle Corn Hummus made an appearance at the party. Heat + charred, sweet corn + hummus = Mmmmm.
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Oh… did you want to know about that treat?
I put the Edge Brownie Pan mom gave me a few years ago to a whole new use.
S’more Brownies. Complete with graham cracker crust and toasted marshmallows.
If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know I like to sneak “secret” ingredients into foods. (I swear by these brownies).
Betcha can’t guess the secret in S’more Brownies…
I used brownie mix. Don’t judge me.
Rather than adding the called-for water and oil, I added a can of Diet Coke. You can stop there, but I added an egg to achieve a fudge-ier brownie that would be a bit more reminiscent of melted s’more chocolate.
The chocolate chips in the batter give it added texture and make this even more sinful fantastic.
This may be one of the best desserts I’ve ever made. (And I make a lot of desserts.) They’re your childhood s’mores on crack made better.
I can never make these again.
For at least a week.
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S’mores Brownies
Crust:
- 1.5 C crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 C + 2 T Earth Balance (or butter)
Brownie:
- 1 box brownie mix
- 1 egg
- 1 Diet Coke
- 1/4 C chocolate chips (mine came in the brownie mix)
- Marshmallows
Preheat oven to 350 and grease brownie pan (I used the edge brownie pan).
Mix together melted Earth Balance (or butter) with crushed graham crackers. Press on to bottom of brownie pan. Bake for 8-10 mins.
*Here’s where I stopped and froze mine overnight. #1 I didn’t have time to make it all at one and #2 sometimes freezing a crumb-y crust help it to crisp up/not be too greasy.*
Mix together brownie batter (except marshmallows). Add the soda in fourths to be sure batter doesn’t get too runny.
Pour batter into the brownie pan on top of the crust.
Bake at 325 for 35-40 mins, until batter is set.
Set over to broil and top the brownie with just enough of the marshmallows to cover (they will expand as they warm). Place in oven for 30-45 secs, until marshmallows are browned. Watch them closely!!!
Let cool COMPLETELY before cutting.
***
I love how desserts can be re-thought and made even better than the original.
What is your favorite dessert re-make?
Do you re-create them on your own or try them in restaurants more often?
38 comments
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briarrose
July 25, 2011 at 8:26 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh heavenly brownies…..they looks so good!
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe
July 25, 2011 at 8:28 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Those look incredible! I cannot believe you put diet coke in them, that’s hilarious.
Lisa @ Healthful Sense
July 25, 2011 at 8:44 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Volleyball court in the backyard… best idea yet!! I am definitely going to show my husband this one… maybe he can build one hehe… on the honey to do list.
I love to remake desserts. My favorite is by adding sweet potato or pumpkin to brownies and using chia seeds in place of eggs!!
Corey @ Learning Patience
July 25, 2011 at 8:54 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
OMG – those brownies are going on my MUST MAKE SOON list — I love marshmallows — yum! Diet Coke eh? hmm…love that idea! Can’t wait to try it out — so creative! Thanks! Happy Monday! xoxo
Ari@ThE DiVa DiSh
July 25, 2011 at 9:25 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
YUMMY! I have never thought to use coke in a brownie box! They looks so moist
I can’t play sports, I am afraid of the balls haha Seriously tho..should I not admit that 
And loving the red thumB! I wish I was more athletic
Cait @ Beyond Bananas
July 25, 2011 at 9:42 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wow. smores are the perfect summer time snack and those look incredible!
Kelly
July 25, 2011 at 9:53 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sounds like you had a great week! Aside from that horrible volleyball injury, ouch
Your s’more brownies look absolutely delicious!! 
Allie
July 25, 2011 at 10:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Jackson is SO cute. Oh me gossssh! Also.. those brownies… YUM!
Great job with all of your running as well! That is AWESOME
Nikita
July 25, 2011 at 10:33 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wow those brownies look fabulous! Diet coke? I would have never thought. Do you think root beer would work, too?
And wow to your workouts too! 8 miles and 84 push-ups?? You’re making me feel like a slacker!
Laura
July 26, 2011 at 10:19 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think it would work with just about any soda. I almost tried it with a cherry coke zero!
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers
July 25, 2011 at 10:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
20 miles is a lotta’ miles. You deserve those brownies! They look great. I prefer to get desserts in restaurants. Since I don’t eat out a lot (and actually rarely order dessert when I do), it keeps me from eating the entire pan… or at least half.
Balancing Sylvia
July 25, 2011 at 10:44 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Your thumb! OUCH!!!
Those brownies look phenomenal! I love marshmallows! I also love to make my own desserts. I’m a pro at chocolate mousse and cheesecake 
Jackson sure is one adorable baby
Hayley @ Oat Couture
July 25, 2011 at 11:16 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh wow!!!! I HAVE to make these!! I just need to find a way of stopping myself from eating the whole pan!! :/
Jackson is so bloody cute btw!! Look at his teeny tiny fingers!! 
Actually come to mention it look at your thumb! :/ It hurts for AGES when you knock that part of your hand! 
Seriously weeks! Not sure why?
Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles
July 25, 2011 at 11:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I know I shouldn’t like marshmallows because there is nothing good in them…but I just can’t help it. They are good.
Cait's Plate
July 25, 2011 at 12:16 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The post I’ve been waiting for! Those look way better than mine – I’m so jealous!
Alexa @ Simple Eats
July 25, 2011 at 12:21 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Your thumb! That looks awful! Hope it feels better! Those brownies though…I’m drooling.Yum!
Rachel
July 25, 2011 at 1:09 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I doubted your “better than s’mores” claim until I saw what you’d made. Wow. You’re right. S’mores + brownies can only equal pure dessert bliss followed by a sugar coma!
Katy @ notjustacarnivore
July 25, 2011 at 4:02 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Diet coke? How on earth did you come up with that? This sounds so weird, but they look AMAZING!!!!
Kate
July 25, 2011 at 6:28 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
OMG! My husband would FLIP! These look fantastic!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
July 25, 2011 at 10:46 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love the Diet Coke addition! I once made Dr. Pepper brownies, and they were amazing. [I also just made Cherry Coke chicken...so at least I know ONE person who won't be weirded out by it.
]
Anna Johnston
July 25, 2011 at 10:55 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
First time here, and I’ve gotta say, I love it, it’s awesome to see bloggers sharing their whole story with a big focus on food. S’mores are the biz, haven’t had them since I was in the states, I always said I would.
And Brownie rocks. I’m going to attempt chipolte sauce this weekend, I love how different our cushiness are. 
Hope your finger is alright, looks so painful. Looking forward to getting to know you. Happy Tuesday. Cheers!
Laura
July 26, 2011 at 10:23 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you so much for stopping by and for your sweet comment! Can’t wait to check out your chipotle sauce.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen)
July 25, 2011 at 11:16 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh my gosh…those are amazingly sinful! I need them in my life! Smore’s really is the perfect flavor.
Oh and the little peanut is just too sweet! Congrats to your friends!
Hannah
July 26, 2011 at 12:14 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Holy moly! I’ve never even had a real s’more, let alone a s’more brownie! My life is incomplete
Laura
July 26, 2011 at 10:24 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hannah! You must try these then. I’d love to see what kind of tasty-fancy chocolate you’d use.
purabi naha
July 26, 2011 at 2:15 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
These brownies are awesome…these look perfect! Wow!!
The baby is so cute…I want to hold him on my lap! And your thumb! Baby, take it easy…
Great post and I’d love visiting your blog again!
Laura
July 26, 2011 at 10:25 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Welcome! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.
Parita @ myinnershakti
July 26, 2011 at 8:10 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh my gosh – those look so freakin’ good! I love making homemade smores in the oven, but these take the cake!
Kaitlin
July 26, 2011 at 10:54 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha! Never again for at least a week, eh? Been there!
These sound super tasty. And addictive. I should probably never make them, myself
Kate
July 26, 2011 at 3:43 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So, after glancing at this post last night, I ran to the grocery store and made these. I obviously glossed over the “add the Diet Coke in fourths” part ’cause I dumped the whole can in there, willy nilly. Oops. It still turned out great, though, just more like cake than brownies. Next time I’ll be sure to read and follow directions.
Laura
July 26, 2011 at 10:09 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love that you made them!! Did you make the graham crust and everything? I’ m sure it was good regardless of the cake-ness. Is chocolate ever really BAD?
Gourmantine
July 26, 2011 at 3:44 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh, I would love a bite of that brownie, ok so probably more a couple bites than one, but just because it looks sooo good
Tiffany
July 26, 2011 at 6:11 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Jackson = ADORABLE; Hummus = Nom, nom, nom; Your rhumb = YIKES!; Those brownies = priceless! LOL
Parsley Sage
July 27, 2011 at 11:45 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You crack me up. Those s’mores look incredible! And naughty. The way I like my desserts (among other things!) Oh, and put some ice on that thumb, yikes!
Buzzed!
jillian
July 29, 2011 at 10:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
yum! those look SO tasty! xoxo jillian:: cornflake dreams
Liz @ IHeartVegetables
August 1, 2011 at 12:22 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Diet coke?? Really?? That’s so cool! I totally want to try this
Sam
October 1, 2012 at 11:38 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
These look INCREDIBLE. LOVE me some s’mores
Laura
October 2, 2012 at 8:41 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks! They were really easy to make!
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