Decadence at Its Best

Y'all, it's SCORCHING out there.  Holy moly.  We have a heat index of 113--down from the 118 it was at 11:00 LAST NIGHT.  Whew.

It's so hot Lil and I are trying to fry an egg.  I'll let you know how it goes.  For now, I'll share this utterly indulgent dessert and the recipes we used to make it.

The bottom layer is the standard Toll House chocolate chip cookie recipe--I just followed the bag.

The middle layer is Oreos.  The original recipe called for Double Stuff, but I sent with regular. 

The top layer is the brownie recipe Lissie has used forever. 

• 4 ounces baker's chocolate (we used Scharfenbarger) chopped/broken into small pieces
• 1 stick butter
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup AP flour
• 1 t vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

Melt chocolate and butter together in medium bowl.  While they melt, whisk together eggs and sugar.  Slowly add melted butter/chocolate mixture into the egg/sugar mixture.  Add vanilla, and slowly mix in flour and salt.

I lined a 9"x13" pan with aluminum foil (made a sling) and sprayed that with cooking spray so the bars would be easier to cut and remove.  I put the chocolate chip cookie dough on the bottom, layered on the Oreos (like brick laying so there were as few gaps as possible--cutting Oreos in half where necessary), and poured the brownie mix over that.  I baked it at 350 for close to an hour.  I began checking after 45 minutes, using the toothpick test. 

I then made a hot fudge sauce to go over it all.

• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 stick butter
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 t vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

Combine milk, cocoa and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat.  Bring to a boil and allow to boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Off heat, stir in butter, salt and vanilla until butter is fully melted. 

This is a go-to hot fudge recipe for me whenever I need some for ice cream or other dipping occasion. 

This dessert came together quickly because I had a helper making the brownie batter while I pulled the chocolate chip cookies together.  But, even without help, I would say prep time would be 30 minutes tops, and it's absolutely worth it.  Of course, I wouldn't make this for just our little family, it's much better for a large group. ;o) 

And, we're toying with the idea of eliminating the Oreos and instead using a layer of peanut butter cookie dough.  We'll see.  Mm. 

I hope you all have a wonderful, SCORCH-FREE weekend.  I'm hoping the same for us tomorrow.  :oP


*****ETA*****
As this is my journal and I like to make note of world happenings and such, I can't let it pass that there has been a terrible tragedy in Oslo, Norway.  My prayers and thoughts are with the victims, the survivors, and all those affected.  I can't imagine how jarring and terrifying it must be to have this happen.

So, this in turn begs the question, why in the world this is the news story receiving more hits over at CNN.com?  Yes, it's sad and tragic a 27 year old is gone.  But, isn't it more tragic to lose 85 youth?  Is that number just too incomprehensible?  Is it because they weren't pop stars?

I just don't understand it.  :o(