When life gets you down, these brownies WILL help

I want to dedicate today's post to Marie Coe - who was a very loving and compassionate woman. Marie passed away this week. I will remember her in my heart just as fondly as I remember my nanny. The one thing that will forever be in my mind is her beautiful smile and caring heart.

Marie would donate her time and food to Caring for Marriage and Especially for you - which were ministries that I was also involved in. She and Pastor Coe lived and ministered in our area back in the mid 80's. I will never forget the Saturday night parties they would hold at their home and the feeling of belonging that Pastor and Marie gave all who came into their lives. My thoughts and condolences go to Pastor Coe, Loren, Donice and their families.

Sometimes the only thing that will make a soul feel better is chocolate. Things happen in life at times that makes you feel like there is nothing you can do because you have hit rock bottom. Fortunately, when you are feeling so despondent, there are others around you who love you and refuse to let you hit that rock bottom so hard that you can't turn back. Sometimes those others have chocolate ;o)

I have heard some people say that certain people can "make you" or "break you". I say the only person who can do either of those things is yourself. I believe strength comes with age, with age comes wisdom. As I have gotten older I have become a very strong person. I think back about how I didn't used to be and realize I have come a really long way. That doesn't mean that I don't have my moments of weakness. There are people out there who would love to break someone who is high on life and happy with themselves. Instead of hating those people though, I pity them. I pity them because they have no idea what it really means to be happy.

Things that make me happy? The number one thing is my kids. I'm so darn proud of them I could just burst. They are young, so they are still working on their lives. They still have a lot to learn, but the one thing they do have going for them is they both have their mom and their dad to support them in times of despair AND in happiness. Like many parents, my kids are my life. I will do anything it takes to be there for them no matter what they may need!

I will do the simplest things to make my children happy..... like making these brownies! Its my feeling that nothing shows love like home baked goodness. (Oh no, do I now sound like Carla on Top Chef?) lol. However, I believe my children have learned the lesson of how to show their mom the love too.

Chris came to the house the other night and while he was here he helped me make the brownies by chopping the peanut butter cups for me. I have been having problems with my right shoulder/neck/arm and as a result of this, I am not able to do things around the house as I have been able to in the past. Chris also was such a good boy and helped me clean the flour that spilled on the floor (because of my dropsies of course) and didn't show any impatience with me for being so clumsy. He certainly loves his mom and I am so lucky.

I made these brownies because last week when Chris was having a hard time he told me he wanted brownies. These brownies are the best of all brownies and I knew these were just what he needed. Mind you, are definitely not low in fat or calories, but when you are in need of comfort....calories don't count.

Best Ever Brownies Peanut Butter Style
adapted from Brookes Bombshell Brownies on allrecipes.com

• 1 cup butter, melted
• 3 cups white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 cups chopped mini peanut butter cups
• 1/2 cup mini Reeses pieces

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.

Combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each, until thoroughly blended.

Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture until blended. Stir in the chopped peanut butter cups. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with mini Reeses pieces

Bake in preheated oven until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove, and cool pan on wire rack before cutting. (it only took 35 minutes for my brownies)

Prep time:  10 minutes
Cook time:  40 minutes
Total time:  50 minutes
Serves:  36