Calm Before the Storm

Kinda been a day for baking today--getting ready for Hurricane Isaac...sigh...

Hurricanes don't really frighten me--it's the "after the hurricane" that frightens me and anyone who has to live with me without air conditioning.  This southern girl really doesn't do well without her refrigerated air piped in to keep her from "glistening"!  

Well, we will just enjoy the goodies from the oven for a couple of more days and if we have to switch to grilling everything in the freezer after that, then so be it...(so sorry everyone for the whining that is to come)...

Anyway, sharing my Rocky Road Brownie recipe that you may really need to bake to make it through the storm.  Quick, easy and so very, very delicious!!

Rocky Road Brownies

Step 1:

1 Box Brownie Mix that makes a 9x13 pan

--Make and bake brownies according to directions on box.

Step 2:

2 cups miniature marshmallows

3/4 c pecans

--When brownies are done, sprinkle the marshmallows on top and set back in oven for 1 minute. 

--My family does not like the "rocks" in the rocky road brownies so we omit the nuts, but this is the time to sprinkle 3/4 c nuts over the marshmallows if your family desires them on that chocolaty road.  

Step 3:

Making the Icing

1 stick butter

1/3 cup milk

6 TBSP cocoa

2 TBSP oil

--Melt all over low heat until smooth.  

--Pour into mixing bowl and add 16 oz powdered sugar.  Mix until smooth and glossy.  Immediately pour over the brownies.  Enjoy!!

Mix those brownie ingredients together--I didn't have oil so the white gooey substance you see is coconut oil which is fantastic to bake with.  

 Pour the brownie mixture in your 9x13 pan.  I have lined mine with parchment paper because I have had issues this week with items sticking.  I think it has something to do with the impending doom of the hurricane...I'm no Jim Cantore...but I'm sure this is the problem. 

 While those brownies are baking, mix the ingredients for the fudgy icing and place on stove eye on low temperature. 

 When the brownies are done, they will look oh so chocolaty perfect like this! You will want to eat them now, but wait....we must add much more wonderfulness...take a deep breath and press on...

 You will next sprinkle your 2 cups of marshmallows over the top.  They will not look like mine...all sticky and lumpy because of the lovely Florida hot weather this week.  I really hate my marshmallows stuck together...it's just not right...but we will cover them up soon with some lovely chocolate icing and all will be well with the world...

Pop them in the oven for a minute to melt them a bit....

Meanwhile, the chocolate icing ingredients will look like this after stirring well...

 Pour over the confectioner's sugar...

Take the brownies out of the oven...the marshmallows will be a little softer and will have spread some...

And if your family likes nuts, sprinkle them on now.

 Pour the icing over the brownies.....

Wow...can you believe how wonderfully perfect they are even with those lumpy marshmallows!!!
It just proves chocolate can fix anything...just saying...

 Let it sit for a while or refrigerate to let everything come together perfectly!

You can then cut a pretty piece and leave it on the counter for a loved one. 

Because of the hurricane, you will take a fork and the remaining pan of brownie goodness and retreat to  the closet.  Just keep reminding everyone that keeps checking on you what it will be like living with you without the air conditioning and they will leave you be...trust me...