Cookies, Brownies, and Caramel – OH MY!
Posted on September 2, 2010
***If you are on a diet. Do not scroll down. Don’t do it. In fact- you should probably run from this post. As fast as you can. Because the sheer yumminess radiating from the screen may cause you to indulge.***
We have an awesome milk man. If you don’t get your milk delivered- you may not know that milk men don’t show up in the middle of the day. They work overnight. Even in the winter. BRRRRRR. My brother in law is also a milk man- so we hear first hand about milk-man adventures. Usually people don’t think to leave anything for them. A few weeks ago- I started leaving baked yummies out for him. Hailey even left a picture she had drawn for him, that said “Thank you for being our milk man!”- he left her chocolate milk the next week. See? Awesome.
So now that we have been leaving him goodies- I can’t just stop! So every Monday night, I am baking. Which is great for me because I love to do it- and great for you- because I will be sharing my concoctions here! Don’t be surprised if I start asking people to take some of the goodies off my hands. A girl can only eat so many goodies before she has to buy new jeans.
So lets get started, shall we? Monday afternoon I was sitting pondering what to make for Mr. Milk Man. We made chocolate cake 3 weeks ago, chocolate chip cookies the week after that, then banana bread. It was too soon to repeat any of those. But gosh cookies sounded good. So did brownies. So did caramel. HOMEMADE caramel. And Heath bar. I looked at Chris and proposed that we put them all together. 1,000,000 delicious calories in every nibble. A.K.A Sheer Bliss. It’s dangerously yummy people.
So here’s what we start with- this is for a big batch, so if you want to half it ,you can. I would usually make everything from scratch, but we had a deadline, so store bought it is!
Before you start baking anything else, you will need a can of Sweetened Condensed Milk. Peel off the label- and lay can on it’s side immersed in water. It needs to be completely submerged or the can will explode. No joke. Bring the water in the pan to a boil, then leave the water simmering for about 2 – 2 1/2 hours. Make sure the can stays covered with water. Once the 2 hours has passed, remove the can from the water and set aside to cool. DO NOT OPEN IT WHILE IT IS HOT. Hot sugar is worse than a lava burn.
While your caramel is cooling- you will need:
Preheat your oven to 350*
2 boxes of your very favorite brownie mix. This one was on sale- so it was my favorite today.
- Oil, 4 eggs, and water for your brownie mix
A 2 pound roll of premixed chocolate chip cookie dough
Heath Bits
Grease a 9×13 baking dish. In the base on the dish, spread out your cookie dough until it covers the base of the pan. Bake just the cookie dough for approx 10 minutes. While it bakes, mix your brownies- according to the box directions.
The cookie dough will still be partially undone. Pour your brownie mix on top of the cookie dough. Put the pan back into the oven- set your timer for 30 minutes and wait. My brownies took close to 50 minutes to cook- but ovens vary as do our altitudes, so better to add time than overcook!
Now is the time to hand your cute little puppy dog eyed kiddos or hubby the spoon from the batter. If you are cool with that. I put a little disclaimer in there just in case. :-)
Your cookie brownie is done when a toothpick removes nearly clean from the middle. You don’t want it to be dry- but certainly don’t want raw batter in the middle either. Remove from the oven. Now is the time to crack open that amazing caramel goodness you made earlier. It’s hard not to eat it by the spoonful. Resist if you can- the brownies want some too. Spread the caramel over the top of the brownies while they are still warm. Sprinkle a little Heath bar on top. Then wait a little bit so you don’t melt your taste buds trying to taste it.
Once your cookies brownie caramel heath goodness isn’t oven hot anymore, brace yourself. Because this bad boy is rich. You may need a glass of milk. Or a scoop of ice cream. Or both.
Enjoy!
Coming soon….. Coffee Kahlua Devil’s food cake with a whipped Burbon Icing.
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Happy Birthday Amelia! | Denver Birth Photographer
Posted on August 24, 2010
I met Stacey by chance. I was visiting a photography board, and there was a post from a photographer that needed a birth photographer. I had only shot a couple of births previously- so the idea of shooting the birth of another photographer’s baby was intimidating- but I sent her a message anyhow. I figured that she would probably get lots of offers, but it didn’t hurt to try!
Then she emailed. Stacey was having a home birth. I had never known anyone who had had a home birth. More intimidation. That sounded scary! I had had my first two babies in hospitals. But she told me about the light in their house. And how beautiful it was to have her first at home, and it wasn’t as scary to me anymore. We decided to meet up- half hoping she would go into labor after we walked around. I bring my camera everywhere. Especially to places I know are pretty- like the Butterfly Pavilion. And so I grabbed a few quick snaps of my daughter, her son, and her gorgeous belly. I wish I had gotten more maternity style– prettiest. belly. ever.
We emailed back and forth pretty much daily at that point- and I pretty much didn’t sleep. I kept checking my phone to make sure I didn’t miss a text, call or email. That was my worst fear- to sleep right through her birth! I kept praying for daylight. PLEASE let it be day.
A week passed- then I got an email. ”I’m contracting. This might be it- I’ll let you know”. Nervous butterflies. I should be a midwife. I love being at births. Yes, there is a person in pain (been there, done that 3 times thankyouverymuch)- but it is a productive pain- a pain that brings the most amazing miracles into the world. It’s beautiful. And amazing. I love it. Anyhow, I waited to hear from her again- I had an appointment with my midwife that morning, so I figured it would work out perfectly to go to the midwives office then head to see them. When I talked to Stacey while I was at my appointment… I knew it was the real deal- she couldn’t talk during contractions.
When I arrived Stacey looked gorgeous. A woman in labor and stunning. I was so jealous! She had such a beautiful birth, and welcomed Amelia into the world at home. In peace- with so much love. It made me want to have home births.
Perfect, alert, spectacular. And I was there to capture it. IN COLOR! Not a lot of births get to be in color. The lights are usually too dim- so our photos- while beautiful, are grainy and grain is beautiful in black and white!
I was extra lucky and got to shoot some newborns of her as well! She was so awake and aware of where her mommy went the whole time I was there. Did I mention Perfect? She was and is! And that picture of Stacey holding her to her tummy? A WEEK after she had her! You’d never know that she was ever pregnant.
Then it was my turn to add to our family. And Stacey was there to capture Teagan’s birth. The photos are gorgeous- and I am so thankful she was there!
We got together just before Christmas… And here’s that little princess almost 4 months old. Couldn’t you gobble her up??? I just could melt over all those rolls. Teagan was about 2 weeks old. They were such different sizes- such a special picture of the two of them together.
And now she’s one. Gorgeous, sweet, one. I have been blessed to know you little miss Amelia! Thank you Stacey for letting us be part of her first year. She is a blessing as are you!
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{G Family} | Highlands Ranch Family Photographer
Posted on August 18, 2010
I got to play duck-duck-goose this weekend. Actually, it usually becomes duck-duck-duck-duck-duck…..DUCK-duck-duck…. DUUUUUUUCK-duck-duck……GOOSE!, followed by running not in a circle, but FAR FAR away from the goose. At least if we’re playing playground rules. I admit though- I kinda stunk up the duck-duck-goosing. I had a injured heel and I couldn’t chase the boys. I was bummed.
Aren’t these boys too cute??? Five years old, with a new brother, cuteness galore and awesome parents. They know all about super heroes and think it’s hilarious when you tell them not to smile. They made my day.
The whole family was all about bare feet. I have to tell you- I was excited about that, because shoes are, after all, highly overrated.
Thank you G family. You are all beautiful and have blessed me.
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Just one | Highlands Ranch Family Photographer
Posted on August 14, 2010
Just one for tonight… These boys are going to be heartbreakers! Thank you G family. I am blessed and privileged to know you!
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No Regrets | Colorado Family Photographer
Posted on July 28, 2010
I’ll be the first to admit that I am insanely guilty of this. Not only because I am a photographer and more comfortable behind a camera than in front- but also because I’m a mom and more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. I look in the mirror and think “I’ll take more pictures with the kids when I lose some weight”, “If only I didn’t have the bags under my eyes… or my clothes fit better (or were cooler) – then I would be in more pictures”. When my husband actually corners me long enough to shoot a few (He’s an amazing photographer himself)- I immediately steal the camera and start deleting the photos that don’t “look good”. If he did the same thing to me I would be really frustrated- so thank you husband for your patience with my self judgement.
While I have 1000’s of pictures of my children, and 100’s of my husband with my children- I only have a handful of me with them. Most of them are on days the kids were born- you know- when I couldn’t duck and cover. Months have gone by without a single image of me goes onto my hard drive, let alone me with my kids. Sometimes I think they will wonder if their mom was even around. We didn’t even have a professional family picture taken with Noah until he was almost TWO. I was massively pregnant then too.
I regret that. DEEPLY. I know that there are a lot of you out there in the same position. When was the last time you had a family picture taken? And I’m not talking about a snapshot at Bob and Winifred’s cook out. When was the last time you took a photo with your kids- snapshot or professional? Can you remember? Moreover- can you remember the last time you felt GOOD about a picture you were in?
Lately… I have realized how deeply important it is to take that time to take the picture. To make that investment. We have friends who have lots spouses to illness and tragedy. If something happened tomorrow- what would my kids cherish? The pictures of us together. They won’t care that my shirt didn’t fall “just so” to hide the soft tummy I still have from bearing 3 kids. They won’t care that I had a bad hair day or my nose “looked too big”. They won’t care if my hips are wide or I had a double chin. They won’t care that I wasn’t feeling particularly beautiful. They’ll care that they have a piece of me. A piece of our relationship.
I am going to make a concerted effort to have no regrets from here forward. Because whether tomorrow or 100 years from now- the images we make together will be cherished. I encourage you to do the same. Holiday picture season is upon us and there are dozens of talented photographers near you in all different price ranges. Make sure you take the time to get in front of the camera- get those pictures together. This time in your family’s life will not happen again. Capture it. Cherish it.
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July 28, 2010 at 1:27 pm -
Tears streaming down my face … You are so right!
I might know a photographer that I can call for some pics with me and my girl! -
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{ Jonas turns ONE!} | Englewood Colorado Baby Photographer
Posted on July 26, 2010
Do you remember this little guy? He was 7 weeks early and only weighed 3 pounds when he was born. By the time we shot this picture he was 5 weeks old and had gained two whole pounds. Yet… look at how tiny he looked in his daddy’s strong hands. He was a little fighter and even at his newborn shoot he showed us how strong he was… and how he wasn’t afraid to let us know if we did something he didn’t like! Mari and Dan, I cannot believe that a year has passed so quickly! Jonas is amazing and beautiful and the most AMAZING little blessing!! Thank you for allowing me to shoot his first portraits and now his first birthday portraits! I am flabbergasted at how much he’s grown!
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Prints! | Englewood Colorado Photographer
Posted on July 20, 2010
I love product. LOVE. Getting to hold a piece of art that you have created in your own hands is a super special treat for me. In fact, I struggle to hand things over to my wonderful clients. I would gladly hang pictures of their families all over my house!
Prints are special from Brink Street Photography. We stand out from the crowd because ALL of our prints (Wallets not included of course) are mounted, delicately textured and coated with a protective spray to allow them to last generations. Mounting a print not only gives it stability, but also lets you get rid of that silly piece of cardboard that is in the back of frames if you are framing you portraits yourself. It also allows for you to display it without a frame. So if you want to display a small print on your desk you can shake things up by getting a small stand instead of a frame!
Watch for more product posts over the next few days! We have Canvas, Metal, and more!
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Christmas in July | Englewood Colorado Photographer
Posted on July 17, 2010
Believe it or not… It is time to start thinking about Holiday cards and family portraits for Christmas gifts! This year we are offering 4 mini session dates and specials on full sessions. Spaces fill quickly as there are a limited number of sessions per day. These sessions make great gifts! Every session comes with a present- but I can’t tell you what because it’s Christmas for goodness sakes!
IMPORTANT REMINDER a 30 min petite session provides 8-12 fully edited proofs in your own private online gallery within two weeks from the session.
Candy Cane Sessions: $245
30 minute petite session
24 custom flat cards
1 – 11×14
4 – 5×7’s
($305 value)
Gingerbread Sessions: $345
30 minute petite session
49 custom flat cards
1- 16×20
6 – 5×7’s
($405 value)
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Details:
A petite session is 30 minutes in a predetermined location for up to 6 individuals
Holiday cards included are either 5×7 OR 5×5 printed front and back, white envelopes are included
Tax is already included in these prices
15% off all additional purchases!
Now for most important part! Dates, times and locations!
There will only be 4 times available per day to account for sunrise and sunset.
Saturday, August 21st
The Heritage Square Petite Sessions: Think Bright, fun colors!
8:15am
6:15pm
Saturday, September 18th
Three Lake Open Space Petite Sessions: Here comes Fall!
7:30am
8:15am
5:30pm
6:15pm
Saturday, October 16th
Red Rocks Petite Sessions
(Please note: This location requires the ability to climb MANY steps and may be unsuitable for some families)
8:00am
4:45pm
5:30pm
Saturday, November 13th
Urban Petite Sessions : Location to be announced
7:30am
8:15am
3:15pm
4:00pm
WHAT do I need from you if you are interested?
You will need to email me kim (at) brinkstreetphotography (dot) com with the date and time you want please provide a backup in case the session is already booked. Once I start getting the emails I will respond and let you know which choice your family has received, you are to respond within 48 hrs or you will lose the spot. I will fill these on a first come/pay, first serve basis. A $100 deposit is required to secure your date and time and is credited toward your package of choice.
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{Shahn ~ Class of 2011} | Loveland Colorado Senior Photographer
Posted on July 2, 2010
I always look forward to senior sessions. Especially girls who are gorgeous and don’t even know it. It is so wonderful to see them blossom through a session- watch them have just a touch more confidence- and stand a little taller. I was an insanely awkward teenager, and as a result saw very little in myself that others saw in me. Then my dad took my senior portraits (didn’t know he was a photographer- did ya?)- and I saw something that I hadn’t seen before. I was growing out of awkward. I was pretty! I had a nice smile! My monkey arms weren’t really as primate-like as I had imagined. I hope that the images I capture of these lovely young women will help them to see the beauty in themselves that they may have missed in the mirror. Your parent’s see it, and so does the rest of the world. Shine, beautiful.
Shahn- you are LOVELY! It was a pleasure to spend part of your vacation with you- thank you for trusting me. Can you believe her eyes??? About knocked my socks off!
Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park in Big Thompson Canyon outside of Loveland, CO is one of my favorite places to shoot. There are beautiful trees, a river, a pond, and even a little playground!
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Kevin and Julia | Colorado Wedding Photographer
Posted on June 28, 2010
When I was asked by my friend Stacey to second shoot a wedding with her I didn’t hesitate for a second. I had seen the portraits she had done for them and knew that they were an amazing family. They were going to get married in the Colorado rocky mountains, and with the addition of a great family it was going to be an absolutely perfect day.
Thank you Kevin and Julia for trusting us to capture your beautiful day! You are a wonderful family!
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Oh Kim! This is so beautiful! Thank you for everything you wrote and the photos have been just priceless. I am so grateful you are the one to capture my family as it grows. I could not ask for a better photographer!