Mix it up

It’s true — the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, making dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. Since my day job is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens, you can bet I love to stir things up. This column lets me pass along to you some of my best recipes, tips and baking secrets.

Whoever coined the phrase “sleepover” must still be laughing – because, as many of you know, very little sleeping actually goes on! I’m always looking for fun ideas and recipes to keep the night-owls happy — here are some that you might like to try, too.

Make a Sleepover Pillow: Buy and prewash some inexpensive white pillowcases. Then hand out fun fabric pens so guests can create a one-of-a-kind souvenir they can take home. (If you put a piece of cardboard inside the pillow case, it will keep ink from seeping through to the other side.)

Go on a Backyard Treasure Hunt: Hide all the goody bags in one place somewhere in your backyard. Then create some clues to lead guests in search of the treasure. Tape the first clue to the back door. When they reach the next spot, have another clue already there to lead them on, until they get to the prize. You can make the clues like riddles, or give the guests a compass and write directional clues to follow.

Mix Up Great Munchies: Part of the fun of a sleepover is munching on some yummy treats. Brownies are always a hit – and these Chocolate Caramel Brownies are sure to be party favorites. And they’re super simple, too! For a fun twist on party mixes, try some Toll House Party Mix — sweet and salty combine for a taste so good you might want to make an extra batch.

For more sleepover treats, go to www.VeryBestBaking.com.

Chocolate Caramel Brownies

Yields: 24 brownies

1 package (18.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix

1 cup chopped nuts

1 cup Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk, divided

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted

35 (10-ounce package) caramels, unwrapped

2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

PREHEAT oven to 350° F.

COMBINE cake mix and nuts in large bowl. Stir in 2/3 cup evaporated milk and butter (batter will be thick). Spread half of batter into ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

BAKE for 15 minutes.

HEAT caramels and remaining evaporated milk in small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until caramels are melted. Sprinkle morsels over brownie; drizzle with caramel mixture.

DROP remaining batter by heaping teaspoon over caramel mixture.

BAKE for 25 to 30 minutes or until center is set. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into 24 squares.

Toll House Party Mix

Yields: 8 servings

2 cups toasted cereal squares

2 cups small pretzel twists

1 cup dry-roasted peanuts

1 cup (about 20) caramels, unwrapped and coarsely chopped

1 2/3 to 2 cups (11- to 12-oz. pkg.) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Butterscotch Flavored or Premier White Morsels

COAT 13 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

COMBINE cereal, pretzels, peanuts and caramels in large bowl.

MICROWAVE morsels in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute; STIR. Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. Pour over cereal mixture; stir to coat evenly.

SPREAD mixture in prepared baking pan; cool for 30 to 45 minutes or until firm. Break into bite-size pieces. Store in airtight container.