CRIMSON'S INCREDIBLES

I love nieces and nephews.  They're some of the coolest people on the planet.  I've been so lucky, 'cuz I was already an auntie by the time I was 6 years old.  So these days, given I got an early start, I'm now blessed with bunches of great nieces and nephews too.  What fun it is to be an auntie!

This summer I was bathed in pure, blissful niece and nephew love and laughter as all ages came from all directions to gather and celebrate summer.  Some of the older nieces and I bobbed joyfully, never for long enough, in the lake together and shared some of the best chick-chatter ever. Long, lazy moments were spent with nephews with our beach chairs side-by-side in the gently lapping lake waters solving all the problems of the world in a single dog day afternoon.

And then there's the little ones.  The new crop.  Seeing the world again through new eyes. The holders of energy and charisma.  Soooo engagingly charming, each in their own way.  I would like to stop here and post a pic and a little story about every single one of them.  All in good time, all in good time.............

But just now I have a recipe for Crimson. The great niece that inherited the family foodie gene, big time. Crimson just gets it, and she's only 8. (say I beaming with pride!)  She understands what's involved to make a recipe good or how special it is to find something yummy at a restaurant. She understands mmmmmm, in ways un-foodies don't.  On top of all that she's a little cherry bomb of love and charm.  And just like these addictive squares I cannot get enough of her.

So my little sweetie pie, this one is for you with all it's chocolatey, peanut buttery, crispy, chewy, soft delicious goodness.  Wo tanoshinde kudasai.

And many thanks to How Sweet It Is food blog where I first found these incredibly delicious and yes I know I mentioned it before, but totally addictive sweet treats. 

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CRIMSON'S INCREDIBLES

1 box Duncan Hines or other fudge brownie mix
3/4 cup salted peanuts, roughly chopped
1 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/2 tablespoon butter
1 3/4 cups Rice Krispies Cereal

Mix brownies according to directions, bake for 20-25 minutes in a 9x13" buttered baking dish. Remove and sprinkle peanuts and chopped peanut butter cups evenly over brownies and bake for 6 minutes more.

While brownies are finishing baking, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in bowl set over pot of simmering water. Stir in cereal. Remove brownies from oven and evenly pour chocolate mixture over top. Let cool to room temperature.  Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving  Cut into squares and serve.