Something new #1

Recently, I would say in the last 4-5 months, I have really been feeling this need to try new things. I think it might be because I have felt like I have been stuck in this rut for so long I could not breath. It was as if I lived this same old hum drum life (Eat, sleep, go to work, go to church, eat, sleep, etc.). So boring, so BLAH!!!. I never really moved forward in anything. I always would feel excited about something but I never really experienced raw passion over just one thing. Now, I know God is resurrecting those old interests of mine and reminding me of what I love to do. I know it sounds silly and a bit quirky, but I get really really excited when I can try a new thing and be able to share it with people.

I want people to venture out, to taste new things, to experience the world. I want to feel that for myself. I want to try out new gourmet dishes and feel confidant that I can cook something brilliant. I picture myself some day cooking for my husband, or for my kids and just having a blast doing it. I can honestly say with out having a big head about it that I am a good cook. I am not a brilliant cook, but I am a good one. I hope that doesn't sound conceited, but I feel that cooking is one of my gifts. I absolutely love cooking for people. If I had enough money, I would host parties all the time and cook, cook, cook. ;-) I think I will start researching fun healthy meals that are friendly to the figure, but have the same outcome as some of those luscious tasting meals that are full of butter. Maybe I should become a chef. Hmmmmmm..........

Soooo.....I signed up to make brownies for a going away party at work and I thought "Why not make something new?". ;-) I have a bunch of these magazines from Taste of Home that I picked up from the free table at work. They have a ton of fabulous recipes that people submitted to be entered. Here is a new one for you.

Today's recipe is Creamy Cashew Brownies.
Recipe: 1 package fudge brownie mix (13-inch x 9 inch pan size)
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
Topping:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup salted cashews, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup hot fudge ice cream topping, warmed

In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, water, oil and egg. Stir in chips. Spread into a greased 13-in x 9in baking pan. Bake at 350 for 25-27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (do not over bake)
For topping, in a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, confec. sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread over brownies. Sprinkle with cashews: drizzle with hot fudge topping. Refrigerate before cutting.

Here are the main ingredients


Going into the oven


Just out of the oven


Whipping up the cream cheese topping


Finished with all the toppings