Celebrating a Fresh Start

Tomorrow marks the first day of a week's worth of "clean slate" posts. Columns about starting anew. Organizing. Clean eating. But, before that (and because no good "cleanse" can begin on a Sunday), ...there is always grey is celebrating with a sweet treat.

PEANUT BUTTER CUP BROWNIE SANDWICHES (11-12 sandwiches)

1 box favorite brownie mix
1 egg
3 tablespoons water
1/3 cup vegetable oil

12 tablespoons room temperature butter
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
20 snack-size peanut butter cups, chopped
salt

ONE: Preheat oven to 350. Blend the brownie ingredients in a bowl. The dough will be quite thick and sticky.
TWO: With a 1/2 inch scoop (or with a spoon), drop batter on a Silpat-lined cookie sheet.
THREE: Bake for 12 minutes (or until cookies are set in the middle). Cool completely before assembling the sandwiches.
FOUR: While baking the cookies, beat butter on a medium speed until light and fluffy.
FIVE: Sift cocoa into the butter and beat until blended. Stir in the vanilla.
SIX: Add the powdered sugar and beat on medium high until thick and fully whipped.
SEVEN: Add the peanut butter cups and blend until fully incorporated. The frosting will have a "gritty" consistency because of the peanut butter.
EIGHT: Spread frosting on half the cookies. Top each frosted cookie with another. Gently press together.

Hope you enjoy these tonight! Don't forget to visit tomorrow for some ideas about jump starting 2014 on a clean slate.