Rolo Cookie Bars

If you love the soft and chewy texture of a classic oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, then this is the recipe for you! These bars have all the makings of your original favorite, but with a slight twist: pockets of ooey, gooey caramel mixed throughout!

Rolo Cookie Bars
Yield: 9x13 pan

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
2 Tbsp milk (I use almond milk)
1 3/4 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Quick Cooking Oats
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup unwrapped Rolos (about 25-30 candies)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare 9x13 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In stand mixer, cream butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla; mix well. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, and oats.
3. Fold in chocolate chips and Rolos.
4. Spread dough in prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The edges should be set and golden brown, and the tops of the bars should look mostly “dry.”
5. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting.

Recipe adapted from Somewhat Simple.

M&M Rolo Cookie Cups

Earlier this month, I tried this recipe for the first time. My husband and son were huge fans of the creamy caramel hidden inside the chocolate cookie. Then about a week later, I tried this recipe and loved how I could bake 4 dozen cookies in under 10 minutes. That's when I had an "Aha!" moment to combine the best aspects of both recipes into this new creation!

M&M Rolo Cookie Cups
Yield: 3-4 dozen

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter, room temperature
2 eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla
36-48 Rolos candies, unwrapped
36-48 M&M’s milk chocolate candies (I used Valentine colors here)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In large mixing bowl, cream granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until well blended.
3. Add flour, cocoa, and baking soda; mix well.
4. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place each into an ungreased mini muffin pan. Bake for 7-10 minutes. (Cookies will puff up like a muffin as they cook.)
5. When cookies are done, remove from oven and immediately press Rolo into each cookie. After Rolos have softened (chocolate will appear shiny), carefully press one M&M into each Rolo. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove from pan to wire rack.

Note
Adapt this recipe throughout the year by choosing holiday-colored M&M's:
  • Valentine's Day: red, pink, white
  • Spring/Easter: pink, yellow, green, blue, purple (pastels)
  • Fall/Autumn: red, maroon, yellow, brown
  • Halloween: orange, brown
  • Christmas: red, green
  • Birthday: red, orange, yellow, green, blue (traditional colors)

{Classic} Brownies

Like all busy moms, I used to keep a couple boxes of brownie mix in my pantry out of convenience for a quick homemade dessert or dish to pass at a potluck. Once I went gluten free, that got thrown out the window! Because let's be real, I only ever bought them when they were on sale for less than $1 per box and I'm not shelling out the big bucks for a GF version.

Thankfully my mom gave me this recipe that her sister got from a friend (did you follow all that?!) and there's no turning back to the pre-packaged stuff. Once I started making my brownies from scratch, I discovered my kids actually preferred the homemade version to the store-bought ones I used to make. Win!

Brownies
Yield: 9x13 pan

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
5 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix all ingredients, except 1 cup chocolate chips, in large bowl.
3. Spread in greased 9x13 pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup chocolate chips. Pat down with hand.
4. Bake for 27-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
5. Cool completely before cutting.

Serving Suggestion: Warm brownie in microwave for 15-20 seconds, then top with scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

This classic recipe is a family favorite! These soft, chewy peanut butter cookies surround a delightful chocolate center. They are the perfect opportunity to invite your children into the kitchen to help you unwrap the candies and then be an official taste-tester once the first batch comes out of the oven!

Peanut Butter Blossoms
Yield: 3-4 dozen

Ingredients
36-48 Hershey’s Kisses
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 egg, room temperature
2 Tbsp milk (I use almond milk)
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup granulated sugar, for rolling

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and peanut butter until well blended.
3. Add both sugars. Beat until fluffy.
4. Add egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat well.
5. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Shape dough into 1-inch balls using hands. Roll in granulated sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
7. Bake 8 minutes. Remove cookie sheet from oven. Immediately press Hershey’s Kiss into center of each cookie (edges will crack). Allow to set for 2-3 minutes before removing from cookie sheet to wire rack to cool completely.
8. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

Recipe adapted from Hershey's Kitchens.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Salad or Dessert? I'm not sure why this dish is called a salad because it is not healthy like a salad, but it is decadent like a dessert! The sweet, creamy middle layer paired with the strawberry-filled Jello on top complements the crunchy, buttery pretzel crust perfectly. That sweet and salty flavor combination will keep you coming back for more!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Yield: 9x13 pan

Ingredients
Bottom Layer:
 2 cups crushed gluten free pretzels
 4 1/2 Tbsp white sugar
 1/2 cup butter, melted

Middle Layer:
 1 cup white sugar
 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
 1/2 cup sour cream

Top Layer:
 6 oz package strawberry Jello
 2 cups boiling water
 16 oz package frozen strawberries, chopped

Directions
1. Make Bottom Layer: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix together pretzels, sugar, and melted butter. Press into bottom of greased 9x13 pan. Bake 10 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Cool completely.
2. Make Middle Layer: Beat sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Mix in sour cream. Spread evenly over cooled crust. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
3. Make Top Layer: Stir together Jello and boiling water. Mix in frozen strawberries. Stir until thawed. Carefully pour over cream cheese layer in pan. Refrigerate at least 1 hour, until Jello is set.

Notes
• Variation: Use 6 oz package orange Jello and 2 (11 oz) cans of mandarin oranges, drained, in place of strawberry ingredients in top layer.

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

I love having a casserole that can be prepared in the slow cooker because it frees up my oven for cooking other dishes, especially around the holidays! These creamy, cheesy potatoes are great for an everyday Sunday brunch with your family or for a special Christmas dinner with out-of-town guests.

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Crock Pot Recipe

Ingredients
32 oz package frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 onion, chopped
10.5 oz can gluten free cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded cheese
1 cup sour cream

Directions
1. Mix all ingredients in slow cooker.
2. Cook on low 3-4 hours.
3. Potatoes should be creamy. Be careful not to overcook!

Notes
• Make sure to check the ingredients on the package of hash browns to ensure they are gluten free. Many generic/store brands include wheat. I use Ore Ida name brand potatoes. Also, make sure you are buying diced potatoes, not shredded potatoes.
• In place of the can of cream of chicken soup, you can use 1/2 cup Augason Farms cream of chicken soup mix and 1 cup of water (as seen in photo above).
• The original recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese, but I find that it makes the dish too greasy. I prefer to use a four cheese Mexican blend because it melts nicely. Colby Jack or any other soft cheese blend would work well, too.

Recipe adapted from Recipes for Our Daily Bread.

Carrot & Raisin Salad

My favorite part of this refreshing side dish is the raisins. The longer you let this salad sit, the better it gets! Why? Because the raisins absorb all of the extra moisture, so they plump up and burst with juicy sweetness with every bite you take!

Carrot & Raisin Salad

Ingredients
5 cups grated carrots (about 2 lbs)
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup sour cream
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

Directions
1. Combine all ingredients in medium bowl. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Refrigerate a few hours, or overnight, before serving.

Recipe adapted from "Carrot and Raisin Salad" found on page 166 of The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer.

Zucchini Bread

This is a tried-and-true recipe that I've been making for well over a decade(!) now. This zucchini bread achieves the perfect balance of healthier ingredients without sacrificing on flavor or texture. After warming up a slice in the microwave for a few seconds, a delicious schmear of Brummel & Brown elevates this bread to the next level!

Zucchini Bread
Yield: 1 loaf

Ingredients
2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 cup shredded zucchini*
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
1 egg

*If using frozen shredded zucchini, gently squeeze out excess moisture and then measure out 1 cup.

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 335°F. (I have a convection oven. If using a standard oven, increase temperature to 350°F.)
2. Grease loaf pan with Crisco.
3. Combine wet ingredients in mixer bowl. Add dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 40-50 minutes, or until a tester inserted in center comes out clean.
5. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack. Cool completely before slicing and serving.

Recipe adapted from "Lemon-Glazed Zucchini Bread" found on page 39 of The Best of Cooking Light by Holley Contri Johnson.

Zucchini Brownies

Now here's a dessert you can feel good about eating! (Because we all know how decadent so many of the other recipes found on my blog can be!) These healthy brownies are packed with good-for-you zucchini and contain minimal added fat and sugar compared to traditional brownie recipes. The light, airy texture is moist and full of chocolate flavor.

Zucchini Brownies
Yield: 8x8 pan

Ingredients
2 eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups grated zucchini*
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, mix into batter
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, sprinkle on top

*If using frozen shredded zucchini, gently squeeze out excess moisture and then measure out 2 cups.

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 8x8 pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, mix together eggs, vanilla, sugar, and sour cream.
3. In separate medium bowl, mix together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Sift together if lumpy.
4. Add dry mix to wet ingredients; gently stir to combine. Do not over mix!
5. Fold in zucchini and 1 cup chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle 1/2 cup chocolate chips on top.
7. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in middle doesn't come out gooey. It might still be sticky, just not have raw batter on it.
8. Cool completely before cutting.
9. Store in airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to one week in refrigerator. (Recommended to store in refrigerator right from the beginning due to high moisture content.)

Recipe adapted from Texan Erin.

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

I found these 24-cup mini muffin pans on clearance at Target after Christmas. I love that two of these pans fit side-by-side in my oven which makes baking a quicker and more efficient task!

And, of course, the Reese's peanut butter cups I used for this recipe were also found on clearance at Target after Christmas. But, since the wrapper gets taken off, no one will know! These cookies would be the perfect homemade treat to bake for your Valentine this week. :)

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Yield: 30-40 cookies

Ingredients
1 3/4 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp milk (I use almond milk)
about 30-40 miniature Reese's butter cups, unwrapped

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl; set aside.
3. Cream together butter, sugar, peanut butter, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and milk. Add flour mixture; mix well.
4. Shape into 1 inch balls and place each into an ungreased mini muffin pan.
5. Bake for 8-9 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately press mini peanut butter cup into each cookie. Cool and carefully remove from pan to wire rack.

Recipe adapted from The Girl Who Ate Everything.

Sea Salt Caramel Chip Chocolate Cookies

Here is a new product I discovered this holiday season while out shopping for my regular baking supplies: Hershey’s Kitchens Sea Salt Caramel Baking Chips. Oftentimes, these special/seasonal baking products are not gluten free, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that these fit my dietary needs!

What better way to test drive a new product than to start with the recipe on the back of the package. These soft, fluffy cookies are the perfect combination of sweet chocolate and salty caramel!

Hopefully these sea salt caramel baking chips become a permanent fixture in the Hershey's line of baking products!

Sea Salt Caramel Chip Chocolate Cookies
Yield: 3 dozen

Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 2/3 cups (10 oz pkg) Hershey’s Kitchens Sea Salt Caramel Baking Chips

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla in large bowl until well blended. Add eggs; beat well.
3. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; gradually blend into butter mixture, blending well.
4. Fold in caramel chips.
5. Drop by well-rounded teaspoons onto prepared cookie sheet. (I use a small cookie dough scoop.)
6. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until cookies are set. Do not overbake! Cool 2-3 minutes, then remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely before storing in airtight container.

Recipe adapted from Hershey's Kitchens.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

If you grow a garden during the warmer months of the year and are looking for a great way to use up your abundant supply of zucchini, this is definitely a recipe you will want to file away for later this summer. (Or, perhaps, you can grab a bag of shredded zucchini out of your freezer to use up some of your leftover supply right now?!)

I made this recipe today specifically because it yields two loaves of bread. Since I volunteered to bake for the PTA-sponsored conference meals at school, I figured I could slice up one loaf for the teachers to enjoy in the break room while keeping the other loaf at home for our family!

I think my son described this recipe best when he said, "It tastes like brownies!"

Enjoy! :)

Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Yield: 2 loaves

Ingredients
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups freshly grated zucchini* (about 2 medium)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup regular semisweet chocolate chips

*If using frozen shredded zucchini, gently squeeze out excess moisture and then measure out 2 cups.

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 335°F. (I have a convection oven. If using a standard oven, increase temperature to 350°F.)
2. Grease two loaf pans with Crisco.
3. In large bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla until well combined. Stir in grated zucchini.
4. Add flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 50-60 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let bread cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack. Cool completely before slicing and serving.

Recipe adapted from Make and Takes.

Meatloaf

During the cold winter months, nothing says "comfort food" like a hearty slice of meatloaf! This recipe is tender, moist, and full of flavor. I usually pair it with a side of mashed potatoes and either steamed peas or steamed broccoli. It makes for a healthful and satisfying meal the whole family can enjoy!

Meatloaf
Yield: 1 loaf

Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef*
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Quick Cooking Oats
1/2 cup gluten free dry bread crumbs
2/3 cup ketchup
3 eggs, room temperature
2 Tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

*For leaner meatloaf, use 1 lb ground beef and 1 lb ground turkey.

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Knead mixture with hands until well blended. Fill loaf pan with meat mixture, mounding top.
3. Bake 60-75 minutes, or until meatloaf is firm to touch and has shrunk from sides of pan. Thermometer inserted in center should read 160°F.
4. Pour off excess fat and let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Recipe adapted from "Meat Loaf" found on page 512 of The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer.

Chocolate Avocado Mousse

You're probably wondering how I could possibly blog about chocolate and avocado together again so soon, but I really enjoyed the brownies I made last week, so I wanted to try my hand at combining these two diverse ingredients again.

This mousse is super easy to make. Simply add everything to your food processor (or blender) and mix away! The result? An amazingly smooth, creamy texture with a rich chocolatey taste and a hint of sweetness.

And the best part about this recipe? It accommodates such a vast array of dietary restrictions: gluten free (of course!), dairy free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan. Everyone at your dinner table will be able to partake in this dessert!

Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients
2 large avocados peeled, pitted, and halved
1/3 cup honey*
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup almond milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp salt

*Recipe can be made vegan by replacing honey with pure maple syrup, agave, or coconut palm nectar.

Directions
1. Place all ingredients in food processor or blender. Process until completely smooth. (You may need to scrape the edges of the food processor to get everything to combine.)
2. Transfer to sealable container and refrigerate at least 1 hour, or until ready to serve. (Resist the temptation to try it right away! You'll probably be disappointed. It tastes best if you let it sit overnight so that the flavors develop and meld together. Then it will taste like pure heaven!)

Notes
• Mousse will keep up to 4 days in sealed container in refrigerator.
• You can also freeze the mousse and eat it like ice cream! Simply thaw for about 8 minutes before scooping.

Recipe adapted from The Roasted Root.

Reese’s Fluffernutter Bars

This indulgent dessert combines two of my childhood favorites, fluffernutter sandwiches and Reese's peanut butter cups, into one outrageously sweet and decadent treat that is brimming with peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallow!

Speaking of marshmallow, take a look at all that ooey, gooey yumminess oozing out of the middle (because who can actually wait for the bars to cool all the way down before cutting into them, right?!).

Reese’s Fluffernutter Bars
Yield: 9x9 pan

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
2/3 cup chocolate chips
16 mini Reese's peanut butter cups (or 9-12 regular size)
7 oz jar marshmallow fluff*

*WARNING! Did you know that marshmallow fluff can be a hidden source of gluten? Beware of the generic or off-brands which are often cross-contaminated with wheat. I go with a national name brand like Kraft.

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray (or line with parchment); set aside.
2. Combine butter and sugar in large bowl; beat until light in color and fluffy consistency (about 3 minutes).
3. Add egg, peanut butter, and vanilla, continuing to mix.
4. Add flour; mix until well combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Press 2/3 of dough into bottom of prepared baking dish.
6. Unwrap and place peanut butter cups evenly over dough.
7. Spread marshmallow fluff over Reese's cups.
8. Cover with remaining dough and gently press to spread evenly.
9. Bake for 25 minutes, or until crust starts to turn golden brown.
10. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes
• Double recipe for 9x13 pan and bake additional 10 minutes.

Recipe adapted from The Soccer Mom Blog.

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

If you're in the mood for Chinese takeout, look no further! The sweet and sticky sauce surrounding these tender cauliflower florets will almost make you think you're eating sesame chicken from the food court at the mall, because let's be honest...it's the sauce that keeps you coming back, bite after bite.

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Yield: 2-4 servings

Ingredients
1 small head cauliflower, chopped (6 1/2 cups florets)
1/3 cup gluten free, low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1/2 tsp powdered ginger
1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Line baking pan with parchment.
2. Cut cauliflower into florets. Arrange in single layer in prepared pan. Bake 10 minutes on center rack.
3. Meanwhile, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup or honey, vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger in small saucepan. Bring to a boil. While waiting, stir together cornstarch and water until cornstarch dissolves fully; then slowly whisk this into the saucepan as soon as it boils. Turn heat to medium and cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Cook until thick. (This happens quickly!)
4. Flip cauliflower florets and bake 10 additional minutes.
5. Remove pan from oven and place florets in large bowl; toss florets with sauce.
6. If desired, serve florets over cooked rice. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top of individual servings.

Recipe adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie.

Sesame Cucumbers

The flavors in this dish remind me of seaweed salad that can be found at most Japanese restaurants. The rich nuttiness of sesame seeds paired with the refreshing tang of rice vinegar yields a winning combination!

Sesame Cucumbers

Ingredients
1 medium cucumber*
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp sugar
pinch of salt
1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

*Seedless cucumber recommended. (Although, as you can see in the photo, I used a regular cucumber and it still turned out delicious!)

Directions
1. Thinly slice cucumber. (I used a mandolin for consistent thickness.)
2. Toss cucumber slices with vinegar, oil, sugar, and salt.
3. Refrigerate 10 minutes or up to 3 days.
4. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on individual servings.

Recipe adapted from February 2018 issue of Woman's Day magazine.

Chocolate Caramel Rolo Cookies

These soft chocolate cookies have a chewy caramel center thanks to a secret, hidden ingredient: Rolos! This recipe would be perfect for a cookie exchange at Christmas, a sweet treat for your Valentine, or just an everyday dessert to share with your family.

Before going in the oven...

After coming out of the oven...

Chocolate Caramel Rolo Cookies
Yield: 4 dozen

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter, room temperature
2 eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla
48 Rolos candies, unwrapped
1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheet(s) with parchment.
2. In large mixing bowl, cream granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until well blended.
3. Add flour, cocoa, and baking soda; mix well.
4. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place 1 Rolo in center of each dough ball. Form dough ball around Rolo. Roll dough ball in granulated sugar. Place on prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 7-10 minutes.
5. Let cool on pan for 3 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe adapted from Genius Kitchen.

Chocolate Avocado Brownies

I know what you're thinking...the words avocado and chocolate should never appear in the same sentence, let alone the same recipe. Believe me, I thought the same thing! But yesterday my avocado decided it was time for peak ripeness, and I just didn't feel like eating it with my lunch (blasphemy, I know). So a quick Pinterest search revealed this recipe, and my "problem" (of not wanting my ripe avocado to go to waste) was solved!

Don't let the healthy ingredient list turn you away. One bite of these unconventional brownies will have you asking for seconds as the rich chocolate flavor and smooth texture melt in your mouth!

Clearly I was so anxious to satisfy my sweet tooth that I forgot to take a picture first!

Chocolate Avocado Brownies
Yield: 8x8 pan

Ingredients
3/4 cup almond flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and mashed smooth
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray 8x8 pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In small bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In medium bowl, whisk together egg, avocado, butter, vanilla, and maple syrup; mix well until smooth. Gradually add flour mixture to avocado mixture; blend well. Gently fold in chocolate chips and pour into prepared pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
4. Allow to cool completely before cutting.
5. Store refrigerated in airtight container.

Recipe adapted from Skinny Ms.

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Most people think they don't like Brussels sprouts, or they find them intimidating and aren't sure how to prepare them. I used to fall into the latter category. I had eaten them before and enjoyed them, yet I wasn't sure how to go about cooking them myself. So one day I decided to pick up a bag at Sam's Club and give it a try! At worst, it would be a $3 failure (a price tag I could certainly handle), and at best, I would have a new side dish to add to my repertoire.

Lucky for me, my first attempt was a rousing success and now I make them a couple times a month. I find that they satisfy my french fry craving for two reasons:

  1. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just like a french fry. (I love the combination of those textures!)

  2. I can dip them in my two favorite condiments, ranch and ketchup, just like I would do with my french fries. (Because french fries are really just a catalyst for the condiments anyway!)

Here's a look at the Brussels sprouts before putting them in the oven...

And now after they are finished cooking and ready to eat...

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients
2 lbs Brussels sprouts
olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Spray rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Arrange Brussels sprouts in a single layer on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes, shaking pan every 10 minutes or so for even browning. Brussels sprouts will be dark brown on the outside when done. Serve immediately.