Screw the WORLD Brownies!

Here is the sentiment of the year thus far. I have committed to over a dozen things and am seriously thinking about adding one more doozey of a commitment despite the fact that this commitment to so many commitments is going to get me committed...

Things haven't been the easiest lately. Remember how in my last post I had a breakdown after biting off more than I could possibly ever chew? Good times. I know a lot of you have also been picked up in the whirl wind that is spring but, it seems as though things are always spinning out here in DC and I have come to realize I need to take some more (a lot more) me time and stop having this lovely pattern of "go go go!" and then a few days of zombie like exhaustion in which nothing gets done.

It's just funny because it's been an EXTREMELY fun 2012 because I have had these epic, jam packed plans, often with awesome visitors, every single weekend... but I feel so worn out on all sides I don't think I am even really projecting "happy" anymore. I feel like my tired is a living, breathing, thing that is just making me miserable to be around. I have noticed I am sharper than normal, more bitter wit than good natured. Also, due to the constant stream of amusing activities and then exhaustion, oh yeah, and MY NORMAL JAMMED PACK ROUTINE OF WORK/HOBBIES, I seem to have become a hoarder. 

Things an OCD personality does not handle the concept of very well: hoarding. But all these clutter piles from clue mystery dinner crafts, ball attending, brother visiting, friend touring, and lord knows what else need to go somewhere before I have time to clean them up so, I have two junk boxes and the hall closet hiding my shameful, shameful, mess/unfinished projects/unopened mail/that's not even mentioning the laundry and what has happened to 3 of my purses.

Somewhere hiding in the ever creeping mess is a 1 inch SD card that has the photos from my clue party. I really wanted to update this blog with THAT first (as it was my amazing valentines day project and I think you guys would appreciate it) but, they photos never got uploaded and now the memory card is missing.

That's right guys. I am in a living nightmare of mess and disaster and lost memory cards. This is how we have ended up here. With "screw the world" brownies. Check these babies out:

I agree. These should be illegal. You may be wondering how these brownies got their name. Well, I originally found them in a Taste of Home cook book and they had a boring name like "Peanut Butter Brownie Bars". While I GUESS that describes these bars, I don't think it even really begins to touch on the RIDICULOUS decadence of these treats. These are brownies, topped with peanut butter cups, topped with a rice crispies, all held together by a chocolate peanut crunch of joy.

No sane person would ever, ever, go into that much sugar, butter, and sheer peanut butter joy without taking a moment to pause and consider. But only the insane wouldn't respond with "Screw it, I'm having one!"

Thus the name of the treats was created. These brownies are to be made in truly dire circumstances. When you've been dumped, devastated, or have no idea what else to do but have a small pity party and savor. These can really knock your taste buds back in gear and make you feel the chemical reactive joys of chocolate and sugar. Plus the "Screw him, screw this, screw THE FRIGGIN WORLD, AT LEAST I HAVE THE MOST MAGICAL BROWNIES ON THE PLANET" thing can be very therapeutic.

Not to say you can't make them for joyous occasions too. I've served them at parties and come back with a clean plate. However, the "screw it, I'm having 11" rule holds true, ha.

The fact of it is, I am stressed and tangled and it's (once again) my fault. If I keep it up, I am going to get an ulcer again and be banned from delicious foods like this once again. I mentioned that I am considering adding a significantly demanding commitment to my life on top of all the rest but before I can really discuss what that means with all of you guys, I need to get some sleep and eat something that isn't sugar and butter. 

Or at least go eat something that isn't sugar and butter. Lunch is calling and I have some crisp salad and apples waiting that will not be nearly as satisfying now that I've revisited all these drool worthy brownie pics, ha.

You should eat these though, as soon as you can make them. May them cheer you up, fill you up, or just give you good reason to exclaim "Screw it!" in a loud cheerful manner. 

Either way, please enjoy and make ASAP :)

Originally found in Taste of Home (With a significantly more boring name)

Ingredients

• 1 package fudge brownie mix (13-inch x 9-inch pan size)
• 12 peanut butter cups, chopped
• 1/2 cup salted peanuts, chopped
• 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1-1/4 cups creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1-1/2 cups crisp rice cereal
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

• Prepare brownie batter according to package directions. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.
• Sprinkle with peanut butter cups and peanuts. Bake 4-6 minutes longer or until chocolate is melted. Cool on a wire rack.
• Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter; stir until smooth. Stir in the cereal, vanilla and salt. Carefully spread over brownies. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting.