spicy cauliflower poppers...

1 head cauliflower

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp course salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut cauliflower florets into {good sized} bite-sized pieces. Place all ingredients in a large zip bag and toss to coat. Spread on prepared baking sheet and bake until tender, but not mushy, stirring halfway through, about 10 min.

I love vegetables, but get so tired of the steamed version. These were a nice change from the usual...

I made this as a side to go along with Mexican food. It was yummy. My kids thought it was too spicy, so adjust the chili powder and pepper to your liking. You could, if you feel like being a little naughty, add a little melted butter to the bag when coating with the spices. I mean, seriously...is anything bad with melted butter???

homemade twix bars...

Crust:

1 ¼ c. flour

1/4 c. sugar

1/2 c. butter; room temp

Caramel:
½ c. butter

½ c. brown sugar

2 Tbsp. corn syrup

½ c. sweetened condensed milk

Crumble crust ingredients together. Pack into 9x9 inch pan that has been sprayed, lined with foil and sprayed again. Bake on 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
Combine caramel ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly as it burns easily. Remove from heat. Stir with spoon slowly until it shows signs of thickening. Pour over crust and let cool a little.

Top layer:

Melt approximately 1-2 c. chocolate chips with 1 tsp shortening over low heat or in the microwave. Pour over caramel layer and spread carefully. Chill. Cut into bars.

In the world of treats...my world of treats...there is nothing better than chocolate and caramel. Add a cookie crust and this girl is in HEAVEN!

This bad boys did not disappoint. They are relatively quick and easy to put together. The only thing that takes extra attention is cooking the caramel. It will scorch if you stop stirring it during the cooking process.

Next time I will make them with milk chocolate. Yes, there will definitely be a next time.

recipe from A Cup of Sugar