Easy peanut butter cup brownies

My son is celebrating his summer birthday in school today.  He wanted something different than the traditional birthday cupcake.  When I asked him what he might want instead he said brownies.  Originally we were going to do frosted brownies with sprinkles.  Then he mentioned he wanted peanut butter brownies.  So, while he was at school yesterday I started to brain storm.  I came up with peanut butter cup brownies.  I have never had them before but the idea sounded delicious.
They're super easy for the busy mom who doesn't have time to bake.  Originally I was going to go all out homemade but I know that kids love the box stuff just as much as the 100% homemade.  I'm making these again next week for end of the year teacher gifts and there's will be from scratch.  I know they'll appreciate the yumminess of it  I'm sitting here drooling just thinking about it.

Ingredients

1. Box of your favorite brownie mix
2. the ingredients listed on the back of the brownie box (typically)-2 eggs,1/4 cup water,1/2 cup oil
3. 18 unwrapped miniature peanut butter cups

-Prepare brownie mix per directions on box



Line cupcake pan with foil liners.

Fill liners half full with brownie batter.

Then place a peanut butter cup in the center of each.

(oops...I forgot one!  I caught the slip as I was putting it into the oven)

Place pan in oven at 325 for approximately 20 minutes.

This is them baking...half way done.  Make sure to check them with a toothpick before taking them out to cool.  Toothpick should come out clean.

Finished peanut butter cup brownies.  They are a decadent treat for a special celebration or anytime!  My son has declared them the BEST brownies he's ever had!

Let me know what you think if you make them! They are pure ecstasy if you eat them while they are still warm.  Enjoy!

Apple Delight Quesadillas

I wanted to share a yummy dessert I threw together.  You can either use the recipe for Warm Cinnamon Apples or a can of apple pie filling. 
My kids fell in love with the combination of the crisp outer layer, warm melty cheese and syrupy sweetness of the apples.  They have already begged me to make it again. 
I love that this is quick, easy, nutritious (sugar can be adjusted or sugar free pie filling can be used) and inexpensive. It's also very versatile.  You can substitute other fruits or pie fillings....i.e. cherry, blueberry, bananas and more.  Enjoy!

Apple Delight Quesadillas

Ingredients

Flour Tortilla Shells (taco size)
Warm Cinnamon Apples (recipe below) or 1 can apple pie filling
cream cheese (I use light cream cheese)
cooking spray

Directions

1. Spray small skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium
2. Lightly spray one side of tortilla with cooking spray
3. Flip tortilla over and lightly spread with cream cheese
4. Take a spoonful of cinnamon apples/pie filling and place on half the tortilla
5. Fold over creating a semi-circle and place in heated skillet
6. When first side is browned flip over and repeat
7. Slide onto plate and enjoy!

***for an extra yummy treat you can sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or top with ice cream.
Warm Cinnamon Apples

Ingredients


4 McIntosh apples, peeled and sliced (about 2 lb.)
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon butter

Preparation

1. Toss together apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in Ziploc bag.
2. Cook apple mixture, 2 Tbsp. water, and 1 Tbsp. butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes or until apples are tender

The Warm Cinnamon Apples are also a perfect addition to breakfast over oatmeal or a side for dinnertime.  This is also a family favorite that I serve quite often.

I hope everyone enjoys these.  Feed back appreciated!