Till Then Smile Often

October 14, 2014

Butterscotch Brownie Trifle

Butterscotch Brownie Trifle | Till Then Smile Often

Butterscotch is one of my favorite flavors aside from Caramel. I got an idea for this recipe one night, and then work decided to have a potluck and I knew this recipe would be great for a crowd so I decided to make it for my co-workers. You can also make it using individual servings too. The thing I love about trifles is the ingredients all meld together to get one spoonful of ooey gooey goodness. The mixture of the brownie, butterscotch and the heath bar crunch really make you wanting seconds, or maybe that is just me. I say make it, and be your own judge just don’t say I didn’t warn you when you go back for more. 😉

Ingredients:

1 (9×13-inch pan) batch of brownies (packaged mix or homemade – I used Steph’s homemade version) ~ 2 (1 oz ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding mix (I used sugar free) ~ Milk for pudding (according to package) ~ 16oz tub of frozen whipped topping, thawed (CoolWhip) ~ approximately 1/2 cup toffee bits

Directions:

Prepare the butterscotch pudding according to the package and place in the fridge to chill. Bake the brownies according to the box or directions. Allow to cool 5-10 minutes then remove from the pan, no need to be gently. Break into chunks and place half the brownies into the bottom of a trifle dish. Spoon half the pudding on top of the brownies, add half the whipped cream, then sprinkle on the toffee bits.

Repeat the layers again ending with the toffee bits. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight before serving.

Do you have a favorite trifle recipe?

5.0 from 3 reviews

Butterscotch Brownie Trifle

Ingredients

1 (9×13-inch pan) batch of brownies (packaged mix or homemade - I used
Steph's homemade version) ~ 2 (1 oz ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding mix (I used sugar free) ~ Milk for pudding (according to package) ~ 16oz tub of frozen whipped topping, thawed (CoolWhip) ~ approximately ½ cup toffee bits

Instructions

Prepare the butterscotch pudding according to the package and place in the fridge to chill. Bake the brownies according to the box or directions.
Allow to cool 5-10 minutes then remove from the pan, no need to be gently.
Break into chunks and place half the brownies into the bottom of a trifle dish.
Spoon half the pudding on top of the brownies, add half the whipped cream, then sprinkle on the toffee bits.
Repeat the layers again ending with the toffee bits.
Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight before serving.

October 13, 2014

Weekend Wanderings

Weekend Wanderings | Till Then Smile Often

For those of you who have Columbus day off I am really jealous. I would have loved a long weekend, but I am back to work. I got another project done and the hardware needed for the lantern project I’ll be finishing next weekend. I promise next weekend I am going to not leave the house except for grocery shopping. I do have a spare bedroom that needs to be cleaned….

But first, let’s see what I did this weekend.

Saturday: I headed to my Dad’s first thing in the morning to help him with his tablet settings. I was supposed to go apple picking with one of my best friends but it was pouring rain so we decided to just meet at her house to decide what to do. We decided that the Mall was a good bet and headed out. Her daughter got to run off some energy at the Pump n’ Jump while we got to talk and get caught up. We popped into a few more stores before calling it a day. A quick trip back to her place and an Elmo movie later and I headed back home. I stopped off at Lowe’s for some more supplies for a new project and ended up at home at 6pm, so I was in for the night. It was a Dirty Dancing on Netflix kinda night.

Sunday: While I thought it was going to be a stay at home all day kinda Sunday, that was not happening. I took Seamus for a walk in the morning and the fog was setting in. It was really kinda pretty.

After getting a coat of stain on the project I went out grocery shopping. This happens more than I care to admit.

Then it was off to Target and Lowe’s for a few more items. Our work is having a potluck on Monday so I made a Butterscotch brownie trifle that I am sharing tomorrow so be on the look out for that recipe.

While that was resting I finished my project and hung it on the wall. I still have a few cups to add that was in the dishwasher, some handles were too large so I need to get different cup holders too. Either way I am really happy with how it turned out and for the extra storage space in my cabinets.

The rest of the night was blogging, cleaning and The Walking Dead premiere. Yeah baby!

Linking up with Leeann from Join the Gossip and Biana from B Loved Boston.

October 10, 2014

Friday Favorites | Beautiful Things

Friday Favorites | Beautiful Things | Till Then Smile Often

I know it was a short week for me and all but it has felt really long. I think I missed my mid afternoon naps and hikes. It may also have to do with staring at Excel reports all week. So to say I am excited for the weekend would be an understatement. I am also excited to be heading down to the South Shore to meet up with my sis Heather and her daughter to go Apple Picking, while crossing off an item from my Fall Bucket List. So getting right to it…

Favorite Quote: Accept those for their differences.

Favorite Recipe: Parmesan Cauliflower bites, yum. I would probably use almond flour in place of regular flour but everything else sounds good.

Parmesan Cauliflower Bites - Crisp, crunchy cauliflower bites that even the pickiest of eaters will love. Perfect as an appetizer or snack!

Favorite DIY: I mentioned this one in this post and I completed it. I love how it came out and so simple. I got the candlestick holders from Home Goods, then sprayed then in a White Satin finish then buffed with sandpaper to age. Grabbed some leaves from the ground and tied using twine.

em>Favorite Art Print: With all the redecorating I have been doing I realized I don’t have a ton of art on my walls. This print is so pretty and would look perfect in my house. This one and this one are close seconds, but really love so many prints in this whole shop.

Natural Brown Colors Crooked Tree Art Print 5 x 7, Earthy Home Decor, Watercolor Tree Wall Print

Favorite Funnies:

Really though, just go home!

I kinda want him as a roommate, he is fun!

Bring on all the Oversized Cardigans and Ponchos!!

Seriously men are evil geniuses because I would totally just do it myself.

What are your plans for the weekend? Linking up with Amanda

Also linking up with Natasha for 5 on Friday.

October 8, 2014

Spooky World | Scare You Always

Spooky World | Till Then Smile Often

This past weekend I was lucky enough to attend Spooky World as a VIP, thanks to Blog and Tweet Boston. While the tickets were free for me and a guest all opinions are my own. With that being said, I absolutely love Halloween, it is my favorite holiday. I also really love Haunted Houses, the majority of my friends are not fans so I was really excited when Kate said she wanted to go too, and then Emily joined as my guest. Kate’s boyfriend was gracious enough to drive us up to the Litchfield NH location, which is just over the Massachusetts border.

It just so happened to be pouring rain, to which we did get ponchos to help but we still got soaked. It didn’t dull the excitement though. There was a total of five separate houses.

We got a quick peek into the make-up trailer while they were getting ready. They told us they make-up about 300 terrifying spooksters a night.

We started off with the Raven’s Claw, since it was closest. We weren’t allowed to get pictures of the inside but let me tell you there are people who jump out, follow you, and say things to you, in the creepiest way possible.

Then on to the Brigham Manor which seemed to be the largest house and really good. The open cadaver on the table at the end was so life like, I had a hard time deciding if some of the “statues” were real or not until they moved.

We took a side trip to the food area to sample some of the food, Kate and I got the chicken fingers to which I devoured before getting a picture. I will say though that it was amazing. Seriously the batter was so good, and piping hot. Emily decided to got for the Turkey leg. It was bigger than her head but she was a trooper. This was surrounded by a fire pit and a DJ dance party.

The Colony had to have been my favorite, it seemed to be the longest but we were scared and left laughing too. Outside of Carnage, we bullied the last spookster to take a picture with us. He was such a good sport.

The Freak Show in 3-D, was just that freaky. We put on our 3-D glasses and it was so trippy. Things appeared to jump out at you and move. The last part I don’t want to spoil but it left me disoriented, when I left. It was awesome!!

They all agreed to let me hit a few at the batting cages to prove I really can hit the ball. Even in heels I knocked a lot of them, even though it was slow pitched. I grew up playing fast pitched. Oh, the glory days.

Had it not have been raining I would have totally wanted to go through a few of them again or even hanging out at the Fish and Grill restaurant for a few drinks. The Go-Karts were down because of the rain but that and the mini-golf would have been fun. There is also a location in Cranston Rhode Island too if that one is closer to you.

I really recommend going of you are a fan of Haunted Houses, and if you are not just bring someone willing to let you hold their hand! Right Emily?! 😉

October 7, 2014

Crumb Coated Cinnamon Sugar Beer Bread

Crumb Coated Cinnamon Sugar Beer Bread | Till Then Smile Often

The thing that I love about Beer Bread is that it is less tricky that a yeast based bread. You don’t have the long wait times that you do with a yeast bread, and you can normally bake right away. This is a great starter bread for those just getting into bread making. It really can be modified to add so many different flavors. I have done an Herb Beer Bread before and this is my second attempt.

Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour ~ 1/4 cup of brown sugar ~ 1 Tbsp. baking powder ~1 tsp. salt ~ 1 Tbsp Cinnamon ~ 1 Tbsp. honey ~ 1 (12oz) bottle beer (I used Angry Orchard’s Crisp Apple) ~ 1 Stick of Butter, melted

Topping: 1/3 Cup packed light brown sugar ~ 1 Tbsp Cinnamon

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a loaf pan with Pam cooking spray or butter. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, honey (Warm the honey in the microwave for about 20 seconds so its easier to stir in), and cinnamon. Stir in the beer until it can form a ball. Don’t overdo it it really should only take a minute or so to incorporate all the ingredients.

Pour half the melted butter into the loaf pan. Then spoon the batter into the pan, and pour the rest of the butter on top of the batter. Mix the topping ingredients and set aside.

Bake for 45 minutes, remove and add the topping mix and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

I served with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter, but an apple butter or jam would be good too.

5.0 from 3 reviews

Cinnamon Sugar Beer Bread

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour ~ ¼ cup of brown sugar ~ 1 Tbsp. baking powder ~1 tsp. salt ~ 1 Tbsp Cinnamon ~ 1 Tbsp. honey ~ 1 (12oz) bottle beer (I used Angry Orchard's Crisp Apple) ~ 1 Stick of Butter, melted
Topping:
⅓ Cup packed light brown sugar ~ 1 Tbsp Cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a loaf pan with Pam cooking spray or butter. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, honey (Warm the honey in the microwave for about 20 seconds so its easier to stir in), and cinnamon. Stir in the beer until it can form a ball. Don't overdo it it really should only take a minute or so to incorporate all the ingredients.
Pour half the melted butter into the loaf pan. Then spoon the batter into the pan, and pour the rest of the butter on top of the batter. Mix the topping ingredients and set aside.
Bake for 45 minutes, remove and add the topping mix and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve immediately.
I served with
Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter
, but an apple butter or jam would be good too.

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