Confections

Here is my favorite sugar plum fairy. JT took this photo for me Sunday morning. Doesn't she look yummy enough to eat?

Blowing kisses to JT....
And here's the confection that came from my kitchen this afternoon. Betty Crocker's recipe for brownies, with Glossy Chocolate Frosting. I sprinkled crushed candy canes on top. This is a recipe I remember my mother making when we were growing up, minus the candy canes.
Brownies

2 squares unsweetened chocolate
1/3 cup shortening (use oil for the best outcome)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional--I usually do not add nuts)

Heat oven to 350*. Heat chocolate and shortening over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted. Remove from heat. Mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spread in greased 8x8 pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until brownies just begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool and then frost with Glossy Chocolate Frosting. (also delicious plain, or dusted with powdered sugar)

Glossy Chocolate Frosting

3 TBS shortening
3 squares unsweetened chocolate
2 cups powdered sugar (I sifted mine after measuring)
1/4 tsp salt (oops, I forgot that today!)
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla

(this amount will easily cover a double-recipe of the brownies--as a matter of fact, that's what I did)

Heat shortening and chocolate in saucepan over low heat until melted. Stir in remaining ingredients and beat with a whisk until smooth. Place pan of frosting in a larger bowl of ice and water. Continue beating until frosting is glossy and thicker. Spread over cooled brownies. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup chopped nuts, or 3 crushed candy canes, if desired.

Halloween Treats

Here are two items I found at our Walmart store that have no artificials in them--they are perfect for Feingold Families, who want to give treats to little spooks. I also have a bunch of non-food items from Oriental Trading.com to hand out.