Jiffy Golden Yellow Cake Mix review/ Cupcakes

Even though I'm usually skeptical about trying new brands, Jiffy is definately a brand I trust. Since I was a wee little girl, my mom has been using their Apple Cinnamon muffin mix to make pancakes. They are SOOO heavenly and so easy. I've also made their blueberry muffins and of course (surprise, surprise) their cornbread mix. I promised my next door neighbors some delicious goodies, so I decided to make yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting.

Jiffy makes delicious mixes but the BEST thing about is how cheap it is! This yellow cake mix costs 54 cents. You can't even buy a pack of gum for 54 cents!



I didn't take any step-by-step pictures, because the instructions on the box are pretty self-explanatory. It makes 12 cupcakes.



For the chocolate frosting I used a recipe I found in a Pillsbury cookbook we have in our apartment.

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
from the "Pillsbury Complete cookbook"

-1/3 c unsweetened cocoa (or 2 oz unsweetened choc.) added to 2/3 c butter (softened)
-4 c powdered sugar
-1 tsp vanilla
- 2-4 tbsp half&half or milk (I used milk)

Mix the cocoa and butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well. (This takes awhile- be patient.)
Beat in the vanilla and enough half&half or milk until it's your desired consistency. Use a butter knife (my preference at least) and spread over cooled cupcakes.






And another thing- when you go next door to deliver your cupcakes, do not leave leftover frosting unattended. Your roommate and her boyfriend will not be able to resist covering their faces in it. :)

Mint Oreo Balls

Disclaimer: If you are on a diet don't even bother reading this. This recipe has about 345783 calories, but it is scrumptious. And easy! Amy and I almost fainted in Wal-mart the day we discovered mint flavored Oreos. We try not to buy them, but sometimes on special occasions we splurge. If you've ever had oreo balls, it is the same thing except with Mint Oreos. I've also seen people use Nutter Butters if you like peanut butter.


Here are the only three things you will need.



I used a food processor to smash my oreos, but you can put them in a big plastic bag and smash them the old-fashioned way if you want! The only thing I suggest is using 3/4 of your oreos with the creme center in, and 1/4 of them with the creme center removed.



When they are finely grated, pour them into a bowl and add your cream cheese. Make sure it's soft!



Combining the cream cheese and oreos can be difficult. I used a potato smasher, because it makes me feel powerful, but you can use whatever works best for YOU.

After you combine the two, put the bowl in your freezer for about 10 minutes just so it will be easier to work with.



Now you need to melt your almond bark. My favorite part. I did it in the microwave and it worked fine. I used seven bars, and it was a little too much for the amount of "dough" I had.



Get out your oreo/cream cheese mix from the freezer and roll into small balls like this.



Drop it in your chocolate mix and cover completely. I used a spoon to transfer it in and out.



Place it gently on a cookie sheet with a piece of wax paper on top. When you're done put them in the fridge until the outside is hard.

I'm trying to get in shape, so hopefully I'll find some hungry roommates or neighbors to eat these for me!

Cookie Brownies

I can't take credit for this delish recipe. . credit goes to Bakerella. She makes the best sweets so I try to stay away from her stuff. . but this time I couldn't help it. I would tell you these are really difficult to make, but then I would be lying. So forget your stupid diet and go bake this amazing concoction.

Here is the cast of tonights show. The chocolate chips actually go with the chocolate ganache cast members, but he wanted to be in the picture so I let him.

Mix up the brownie mix and put it into a well-sprayed 9X13 pan. Mix up the cookies and by spoonful (or with your hand- like me) plop them into the brownie mix however you want. I'm OCD so they are perfectly symmetrical. Be SPONTANEOUS if you choose.



Bake for 30-45 min. at 350, or a little less if you have an impatient oven who cooks everything really fast.

For the chocolate ganache:
1 12 oz. pkg of chocolate chips
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
6 Tbsp butter
In a saucepan heat the butter and cream together until right before it starts to boil. Add the chocolate chips and stir until it looks smooth and dark.

Pour the ganache over the top and follow the next step VERY CLOSELY. You must must let it sit and cool. I know it's an almost impossible task and your tastebuds might start jumping off your tongue, but trust me. Let it cool.

If you're like me and have a roommate who is known for "nibbling" and "testing" treats, then put up a nice sign like I did. A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

Eat up!