Caramel topped Brownie Hearts for your Valentine

Last Valentine's Day, I made this very simple, but wonderful dessert for my husband. When I shared the photo on facebook, I had to laugh as the comments of others were praising me for my culinary efforts, when this was an EXTREMELY easy dish to prepare.

It begins with a BOXED brownie mix. (Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines are my choice).
*Prepare according to directions.

As soon as you take it out of the oven, poke holes over top with a fork. Drizzle choclate sauce and caramel sauce over top (Smucker's is a good brand....ROBERT ROTHSCHILD'S is even better, but pretty pricey).

Let stand at room temp.
Cut heart-shaped pieces with a cookie cutter.

Plate it, add vanilla ice cream then drizzle again with sauces for a nice presentation.

In the photo, you will see a chocolate-covered strawberry that I dipped, then added red sugar sprinkles and whipped cream.

Really- ANYONE can make this. EVERYONE will love it! Give it a try!

Suzi Q Cake

This cake has been a favorite around our house for many years.

My middle son would request it each year for his birthday cake and it is always a hit when I take it to potlucks and get togethers.

The photo above is when I made it for Big Al for Valentine's Day, so I had made it in my heart shaped pans, but any way you choose to serve it will be the right way as it is delicious ! It is also a semi homemade cake as it starts with a cake mix.

YOU WILL NEED:

Your favorite brand chocolate, fudge or devil's food cake mix, baked according to package directions. (Either bake it in 2 pans, or bake in one pan, then separate into two layers after it cools.)

Mix together:
1 (8 oz.) pkg. softened cream cheese
1 10 oz. Cool Whip
2 cups powdered sugar

Mix till smooth.

*This is one of THE BEST TASTING FILLINGS that can be used in many recipes and we also use it as a delicious fruit dip. You gotta' try it!

Spread filling between layers and also on top of the top layer.




Then around sides only, spread a small can of MILK chocolate frosting (or your favorite homemade recipe).

Serve immediately and refrigerate leftovers. It is great cold too...for breakfast!
(Am I the only crazy person that enjoys cake for breakfast?)