Warm Nutty Caramel Brownies - Question About Chocolate!

[Denarella]

If the chocolate is in your microwave too long before you stir it, it will begin to thicken. Regardless of what the recipe says, when I melt chocolate in a strange microwave, I only put it in for about 10 - 15 seconds at a time, stir, 10 - 15 sec, stir, etc. until I can stir with the mini-whisk and not see any lumps. Even though our recipes are pretty good with the times they tell you to cook things, I have found that when I am doing anything with chocolate, my microwave has a mind of it's own. Oh, and it also depends on what container you have your choclate in. The larger and heavier the container, the longer it usually takes to melt, but the more often I tend to stir.

If I were you, I would try to melt some chocolate again... Do about 1/2 cup of chips in the small micro cooker, the small batter bowl and a prep bowl. One at a time, put them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, stir, 10-15 sec, stir, etc. See how long it takes the chocolate to melt in each one.

Even though this seems strange to work on melting chocolate, I like to perfect "simple" tasks. That way when I have a guest at a show that says, "I can't melt chocolate", I can give him/her tips and then it leads to a recruiting statement like... "I was never very good at things like this until I joined PC. But with all the great training we have available and the tips I have learned from other consultants, I have been able to improve my cooking skills dramatically."

Anyway, JMHO!

I used the small micro cooker and I took it out every ten seconds to stir....got me by the nose...I really like the idea of the hershey's syrup because its much thinner and doesnt thicken upon standing....lol....but I do suck at cooking....Im so positive its me....:yuck:

 

[Paula R. Lewis]

As long as you pay for my gasoline to get out there! LOL

What? Are you kidding me? With today's prices, I bet it'd be cheaper to fly!!!

 

[Denarella]

What? Are you kidding me? With today's prices, I bet it'd be cheaper to fly!!!

Yes it would! Insane....what is the world coming to? I wouldve love to have grown up in the 50s when it was all so simple...

 

[jenniferp417]

If the chocolate is in your microwave too long before you stir it, it will begin to thicken. Regardless of what the recipe says, when I melt chocolate in a strange microwave, I only put it in for about 10 - 15 seconds at a time, stir, 10 - 15 sec, stir, etc. until I can stir with the mini-whisk and not see any lumps. Even though our recipes are pretty good with the times they tell you to cook things, I have found that when I am doing anything with chocolate, my microwave has a mind of it's own. Oh, and it also depends on what container you have your choclate in. The larger and heavier the container, the longer it usually takes to melt, but the more often I tend to stir.

If I were you, I would try to melt some chocolate again... Do about 1/2 cup of chips in the small micro cooker, the small batter bowl and a prep bowl. One at a time, put them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, stir, 10-15 sec, stir, etc. See how long it takes the chocolate to melt in each one.

Even though this seems strange to work on melting chocolate, I like to perfect "simple" tasks. That way when I have a guest at a show that says, "I can't melt chocolate", I can give him/her tips and then it leads to a recruiting statement like... "I was never very good at things like this until I joined PC. But with all the great training we have available and the tips I have learned from other consultants, I have been able to improve my cooking skills dramatically."

Anyway, JMHO!

Thanks! I don't have a micro cooker right now but I'll have to practice with the batter bowl and prep bowls (got them today!).

I especially like your recruiting statement - and that's super true for me. I could NOT cook when I got married. I've learned more about cooking since I joined PC than I ever did growing up!

 

[Denarella]

Thanks! I don't have a micro cooker right now but I'll have to practice with the batter bowl and prep bowls (got them today!).

I especially like your recruiting statement - and that's super true for me. I could NOT cook when I got married. I've learned more about cooking since I joined PC than I ever did growing up!

one of the MAJOR reasons Im here...

 

[Paula R. Lewis]

If the chocolate is in your microwave too long before you stir it, it will begin to thicken. Regardless of what the recipe says, when I melt chocolate in a strange microwave, I only put it in for about 10 - 15 seconds at a time, stir, 10 - 15 sec, stir, etc. until I can stir with the mini-whisk and not see any lumps. Even though our recipes are pretty good with the times they tell you to cook things, I have found that when I am doing anything with chocolate, my microwave has a mind of it's own. Oh, and it also depends on what container you have your choclate in. The larger and heavier the container, the longer it usually takes to melt, but the more often I tend to stir.

If I were you, I would try to melt some chocolate again... Do about 1/2 cup of chips in the small micro cooker, the small batter bowl and a prep bowl. One at a time, put them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, stir, 10-15 sec, stir, etc. See how long it takes the chocolate to melt in each one.
Even though this seems strange to work on melting chocolate, I like to perfect "simple" tasks. That way when I have a guest at a show that says, "I can't melt chocolate", I can give him/her tips and then it leads to a recruiting statement like... "I was never very good at things like this until I joined PC. But with all the great training we have available and the tips I have learned from other consultants, I have been able to improve my cooking skills dramatically."

Anyway, JMHO!

Well, if you're really set on melting chocolate, don't forget, we've got this really neat, new tray for melting chocolate, coming out in September....it's called the new "coating tray", and it comes in a set of 3.....:angel:

gotta love that cross-selling!! lol

Paula

 

[Paula R. Lewis]

Yes it would! Insane....what is the world coming to? I wouldve love to have grown up in the 50s when it was all so simple...

:thumbdown: Naaa...it looks good on the "outside", but I bet the 50's were over-rated!!
lol

:indif:

Paula

 

[Denarella]

:thumbdown: Naaa...it looks good on the "outside", but I bet the 50's were over-rated!!
lol

:indif:

Paula

Think about it....stay at home moms, no cellphones, no locking the doors, no pill for everything, no fast food, everything was slllooowww....enjoy the world before it passes you by....:indif:

 

[katie0128]

Think about it....stay at home moms, no cellphones, no locking the doors, no pill for everything, no fast food, everything was slllooowww....enjoy the world before it passes you by....:indif:

And how many people do you think in the '50s said, "Boy, I wished we were back in the '30s... times were much simpler then..."

 

[Paula R. Lewis]

Think about it....stay at home moms, no cellphones, no locking the doors, no pill for everything, no fast food, everything was slllooowww....enjoy the world before it passes you by....:indif:

OK, now I'm really feeling OLD...I AM a stay at home mom, DON'T have a cellphone, sometimes don't remember to lock my door,....

but, I have to admit, I'd be lost without the fast food places for lunch once or twice a week.... I know, shame on me, huh?:blushing:

Now, where did I put that pearl necklace????? lol

 

[BethCooks4U]

I melted the chocolate (about 1/2 cup) for 30 seconds and stirred. It was perfect. I did that in 3 different microwaves. I guess I'm lucky!

 

[Denarella]

And how many people do you think in the '50s said, "Boy, I wished we were back in the '30s... times were much simpler then..."

Ummmm, EVERYONE? I know...I just hate how things have changed since I was a kid in the 70s....I hate that my son will never know how cool it was to come home when the street lights came on because now you cant let them out of your sight....

 

[Paula R. Lewis]

I went into a "spiel" once with my kids, telling them about all the "stuff" I DIDN'T grow up with...

no cell phone, no computer, no microwave, no DVD player, no playstation games or anything else like that, no caller id on the phone, or 3-way calling, or call-waiting, no internet....no cable or satellite, heck, only 3 tv stations to choose from, and no remote control, either!!

You should've seen the looks of absolute "horror" on their faces!! When I was done, they said, "MOM! How did you LIVE?"

I laughed, and told them, well, we actually went outside and played!!

Sad, but true!! (Secretly, though, I sure felt like a dinosaur after I told them all that!! Didn't realize how ancient I really was!! lol)

Paula

 

[Denarella]

I went into a "spiel" once with my kids, telling them about all the "stuff" I DIDN'T grow up with...

no cell phone, no computer, no microwave, no DVD player, no playstation games or anything else like that, no caller id on the phone, or 3-way calling, or call-waiting, no internet....no cable or satellite, heck, only 3 tv stations to choose from, and no remote control, either!!

You should've seen the looks of absolute "horror" on their faces!! When I was done, they said, "MOM! How did you LIVE?"

I laughed, and told them, well, we actually went outside and played!!

Sad, but true!! (Secretly, though, I sure felt like a dinosaur after I told them all that!! Didn't realize how ancient I really was!! lol)

Paula

I still remember the crank calls we did at slumber parties. Barbies, baby dolls, RECORDS! LOL....Good times.....

 

[Carissidy]

I have made these brownies twice already and have had absolutely no problems. I think they are great and easy to throw together! I think if you were to add the milk, it would change the consistency too muchand ruin the way the chocolate drizzles and ends up "hard" again. My guess is, the syrup would be a little too runny, but again I haven't tried it. I didnt have any difficulties with the use of the bag, I just made sure the chocolate was plenty melted rolled the bag inside out and spooned the chocolate into the bottom corner of the bag. I unrolled the bag and pushed the chocolate all the way down into one of the corners and snipped a very small hole in the corner of the bag. For me, it has worked wonderful and they are a big hit with the family. However, I think I will try the kisses next time because I too prefer the chocolate in the kisses... Looking forward to trying the new kisses idea. Gosh, if I keep making these brownies, I am sure going to get in trouble!!

 

[kaceyleigh2]

I have made these brownies twice already and have had absolutely no problems. I think they are great and easy to throw together! I think if you were to add the milk, it would change the consistency too muchand ruin the way the chocolate drizzles and ends up "hard" again. My guess is, the syrup would be a little too runny, but again I haven't tried it. I didnt have any difficulties with the use of the bag, I just made sure the chocolate was plenty melted rolled the bag inside out and spooned the chocolate into the bottom corner of the bag. I unrolled the bag and pushed the chocolate all the way down into one of the corners and snipped a very small hole in the corner of the bag. For me, it has worked wonderful and they are a big hit with the family. However, I think I will try the kisses next time because I too prefer the chocolate in the kisses... Looking forward to trying the new kisses idea. Gosh, if I keep making these brownies, I am sure going to get in trouble!!

Angela made me those brownies and they were soooo yummy!! Thanks And thanks for my "present

 

[Carissidy]

Not too bad huh?

Angela made me those brownies and they were soooo yummy!! Thanks And thanks for my "present

I am going to make them again soon, the suggetion of caramel kisses sounds good. So here comes another party! Can you handle it?

 

[kaceyleigh2]

I am going to make them again soon, the suggetion of caramel kisses sounds good. So here comes another party! Can you handle it?

Can I handle brownies with caramel kisses?? Hello??? Of course! So when's it going to be?? LOL
By the way I'm shopping for your present right now!!

 

[Paula R. Lewis]

Party? Party? Are we all invited? lol


Paula

 

[Carissidy]

Party!

Can I handle brownies with caramel kisses?? Hello??? Of course! So when's it going to be?? LOL
By the way I'm shopping for your present right now!!

Probably Friday, and then maybe the Great Falls Balloon Festival:balloon: It sounds like fun and I haven't been in a couple of years so we will have to do dinner and the brownies and then head on over...

 

[kaceyleigh2]

Probably Friday, and then maybe the Great Falls Balloon Festival:balloon: It sounds like fun and I haven't been in a couple of years so we will have to do dinner and the brownies and then head on over...

Sounds like a plan!

 

[Carissidy]

Party!

Party? Party? Are we all invited? lol


Paula

Of course you are invited! Everyone can come....who wouldnt for those brownies! Its a long drive from Ohio though. Where are you from in Ohio?

 

[kaceyleigh2]

Of course you are invited! Everyone can come....who wouldnt for those brownies! Its a long drive from Ohio though. Where are you from in Ohio?

And are you any good at Catch Phrase? If you are, you're on MY team!

 

[Carissidy]

Catch Phrase

And are you any good at Catch Phrase? If you are, you're on MY team!

I am watch out...here I come!!! I really am excited to see the balloons :balloon: come into town they usually fly right over my house on the way to the festival! You'll love it and so will the kids!

 

[kaceyleigh2]

I am watch out...here I come!!! I really am excited to see the balloons :balloon: come into town they usually fly right over my house on the way to the festival! You'll love it and so will the kids!

Last year when we were shopping at BJ's all the balloons were flying over!It was cool!

 

[missydivine]

I haven't tried the brownies yet, trying to diet. I think I will try them with caramel kisses. Oh, maybe do 1/2 with caramel kisses and the other 1/2 with rolos just to try both.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Ummmm, EVERYONE? I know...I just hate how things have changed since I was a kid in the 70s....I hate that my son will never know how cool it was to come home when the street lights came on because now you cant let them out of your sight....

I was just talking w/ my mom yesterday and saying the same thing! How sad I feel for my son that he won't have the freedom to just get on his bike and go! We lived on a farm, and could just hop on our bikes and go exploring for the day, and Mom didn't have to worry about where we were or the danger around us. We NEVER locked our doors (don't even know if there was a key!), and Summer time was for playing and being kids - not a thousand different planned activities.

 

[Harrle]

I have made these brownies twice - the second time was a request by my DS for the family b-day's celebrated last week. I have made them by the recipe but now want to try with the Hershey's caramel kisses!!!

One suggestion I have is to cut the brownies right after you insert the Rolo's or Kisses - this way you can see where they are and the nuts & melted chocolate stays on the brownie and not stuck to whichever tool you are using to cut them (pizza cutter or knife)!!

I like the Hershey's topping idea but agree it may be a bit runny.

I have to share what one relative said about the brownies...he said "I don't know who you had to sell your soul to for this recipe, but it so worth it!!" That also lead to the discussion that they were right up there with the likes of needing a cigarette after having one...

They are YUMMY!!!!

 

[ShanaSmith]

I didn't read the entire thread about the melting the chocolate. Here are my tip for melting chocolate. I do a lot of dipping.....

make sure there is NO water in the bowl with the chocolate.
do not over heat
you can add a bit of crisco to make it more smooth and thin it out a bit.
I would not add milk, it will probably make it clump up.

 

[KellyTheChef]

I didn't read the entire thread about the melting the chocolate. Here are my tip for melting chocolate. I do a lot of dipping.....

make sure there is NO water in the bowl with the chocolate.
do not over heat
you can add a bit of crisco to make it more smooth and thin it out a bit.
I would not add milk, it will probably make it clump up.

Shana~

I was just reading through this thread and thinking the SAME THING! Milk would NOT be a good idea with melting chocolate- it may make it seize up and harden on you. Add a SMALL (1 teaspoon?) of crisco or butter just at the end of melting the chocolate.

When melting, make sure to stir after every 15 seconds or so...the last time you stir them, and you can see the chips are almost all melted, add your butter and just let the residual heat melt them the last of the way. If you need to, put them in for 5 seconds at a time at that point. If you over heat chocolate (especially chips) it can get grainy and thick.

Put your NAME BRAND ziploc bag down into the liquid side of the Measure All cup (to hold it for you) and that way you are getting the chocolate only into the corner. (less waste) From personal experience: generic zip bags are NOT the way to go...the seams are not very strong and it makes quite a mess when the whole seam of the bag blows out as you are drizzling on the chocolate!!

I have made these once (exactly following the recipe) and I am going to try a few changes next time:

-Caramel filled kisses (I agree...the chocolate on them is MUCH better than the chocolate on the rolos!)
-Put most of the nuts into the brown sugar mixture (less to sprinkle on top, but then they should bake into the brownies and not fall off while you are eating them.)
-Put less choc chips INTO the batter, or use more to melt to drizzle ON the batter. (again, if there's more drizzled on, it will help glue the sprinkled on nuts so they don't fall off.)

Hmmm....wondering when I can make up my next batch now!! LOL