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Wednesday, September 3, 2014

The Homemaking Party

There's not a whole lot new going on around the Coller house this week. We're all anxiously awaiting the arrival of my mom---just a week from today! I can't wait!!! We haven't see her since March and it's going to be great to be able to hang out for a couple weeks.

I've been reading a lot---it's been so wonderful to just kick back and enjoy some good books!

On my literature blog, Belle's Library, I discussed the subject of madness in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights and also had my first guest post from my friend, Mozette, who shared her tips on Finding and Caring for a First Edition Book.

I finished up my Austen in August reading challenge; finishing my final book in the early evening on August 31st. I read five Austen-related books, met a new-to-me author who is now a friend, and learned more about one of history's best--Jane Austen.

I'm enjoying my reading challenges and am now working on Simply Audra Marie's weekly challenges. I'm currently reading, Sweet Dreams at the Goodnight Motel by Curtiss Ann Matlock.


Here are my plans for Simply Audra Marie's Friday "It Begins with SUMMER" challenge:


S---Sweet Dreams at the Good Night Motel

U---Undone (will read in September)
M---Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart (done)
M---Motel of the Mysteries (done) This book also counts for Audra's Not Your Typical Genre challenge)
E---Emma, Mr. Knightley, and Chili Slaw Dogs (done)
R---Recipes for Easy Living (will read in September)

I'm considering reading Beverly Lewis' October Song for Audra's, A Reader Is Born challenge in September. I've still not picked for the Summer Title Waves challenge or the What's In A Name challenge.


Since August 1st, I've finished these books:

French Lessons by Peter Mayle
Persuasion, Captain Wentworth, and Cracklin' Cornbread by Mary Jane Hathaway
Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattillo
Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway
Emma, Mr. Knightley and Chili-Slaw Dogs by Mary Jane Hathaway
Becoming Jane Austen by Jon Spence
Motel of the Mysteries by David Macaulay

What are you reading?

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Make Bake Create Party



Welcome to the Make Bake Create Party! 5 blogs-1 party-lots of fun!

Banana Split Brownies #AddCoolWhip #shop #cbias

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #AddCoolWhip #shop #cbias

I have been making these for our family for almost 14 years and they're always a hit! My husband loves them, especially, and even cheered when I told him the other day that I was making them for this post. My family regularly thanks me for being a foodie blogger, since that means they always get to try out delicious recipes

When I was in grade school, my mom liked to make my brother and I after school snacks. Often times, there would be brownies waiting for us. Other times, there was Jell-O with Cool Whip. Since my kids stay home for school, I don't always have an after school snack for them---but we often have evening desserts with Daddy.

These Banana Split Brownies are a fun choice for either after school or evening dessert time, as they can be made ahead and refrigerated until time to serve. With just a couple seconds of prep before serving, they're a pretty treat to serve any time! They incorporate two of my favorite after school dessert ingredients: Jell-O and Cool Whip, and they're easy to prepare.

I bought my ingredients at Walmart last Sunday afternoon. The Cool Whip was easy to find here in the freezer aisle marked, "Desserts & Toppings".

The dessert starts with a brownie base. I just use whatever boxed brownie mix is on sale. Make sure to get the 13x9 pan size.

Then you add sliced bananas. I like to use an egg slicer to quickly and evenly slice them. Then add the Cool Whip/pudding mix. I love to mix Cool Whip with pudding for several kinds of desserts. It creates a nice mousse when mixed with chocolate.

With a spoonful of Cool Whip and a strawberry on top, you've got a pretty and fun treat for your family--even on the busiest of days. 

Banana Split Brownies
1 pkg. brownie mix (plus ingredients to make them) 
3 bananas 
1 1/4 c. milk 
3.4 oz. pkg. vanilla instant pudding 
16 oz. Cool Whip 
strawberries to garnish

Bake brownies according to package instructions. Cool completely. Slice bananas and spread out in one layer over the brownie. Whisk pudding mix and milk together in a bowl, just until mixture begins to thicken. Fold in 2 1/2 c. of the Cool Whip and spread over the bananas. Refrigerate for at least an hour and serve with more Cool Whip and sliced strawberries.

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