Rolo Cake Mix Bars

Every now and then I disappear from my blog for a week or so. Not because I don't enjoy blogging, but sometimes I just need a break. The past few weeks have been busy, mostly thanks to a new little guy in my life - our rescue puppy, Tucker.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

This week has been the week of perfect pairings. First, I paired butterscotch and marshmallow fluff to make the perfect cupcake. Now, I've paired chocolate chip cookie dough and cheesecake to make the the perfect cookie bar.

I've never made a true, baked cheesecake. You know, the kind that requires a spring-form pan and a water bath to bake. As my mom said on the phone the other day (when I pitched the idea of a pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving), "aren't they hard to make?" Maybe so. And while I think I'm up for that challenge, after eating these cheesecake bars I may never make a traditional cheesecake, EVER. There's no need. 

Ooey Gooey Caramel Pumpkin Blondies

A few weeks ago, the Tasty Kitchen Blog featured these Ooey Gooey Caramel Pumpkin Blondies from Lauren's Latest. I've always loved blondies, my favorite being the Maple Butter Blondie from Applebee's. Blondies are almost like a cookie, but with the texture of a brownie, minus the chocolate. So when I was trying to decide what to bake this weekend I immediately thought of these blondies. And better yet? I had all of the ingredients on hand!

My only complaint with this recipe is that the name is a little misleading. I wouldn't classify these as true blondies, but more of a cake. In fact the pumpkin layer has the same density of a pumpkin bread, soft, light and moist. A blondie is a little more dry and cookie like. The cake almost reminds me of the Pumpkin Nutella Bread I made earlier this fall, with the caramel in place of the nutella. Nonetheless, the cake is perfect for your next fall gathering, whether served alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel.

For step by step photo instructions head on over to Tasty Kitchen for the recipe: Ooey Gooey Caramel Pumpkin Blondies

Rainbow Blondies

Yesterday I had one mission: To finally bake those Giant Rainbow cookies made famous by Jessica at How Sweet it Is. I've had a giant bag of M&Ms in my pantry for weeks. I knew if I didn't make the cookies soon, I'd devour the entire bag of M&Ms in front of the TV while watching an all day marathon of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. I know, I know, I just wrote my last post about how busy I am, but I always find time for the important things in life - like trashy television.