| Christmas is the time of gifts. Every year new | | | | Once the SWIRLED TURTLE BROWNIES cool, |
| items appear that can be gifted. What about | | | | they can be wrapped individually in colored saran |
| something simple and home made? Something like | | | | wrap and tied with a colorful ribbon to give out as |
| home made cookies that can be gifted? That will | | | | a gift. They would look really good in a basket |
| look unique and the recipient will be happy that | | | | with a colorful Christmas cloth napkin underneath |
| you spent much time to prepare the gift. The gift | | | | the brownies. A good addition to the gift would be |
| was not simply picked up off the shelves and | | | | a nice big coffee cup and some packages of hot |
| sent. Do you agree with me? Here is one idea. | | | | cocoa. |
| Christmas brings lots of surprises and one that I | | | | If this is going to be a gift for a personal friend, |
| am thinking of giving my family this year is a new | | | | you might want to add a video of a classic |
| sweet treat. Cookies, candies, fruit and nuts are | | | | Christmas story, a Christmas music CD, or |
| the usual fare for Christmas, but I have decided | | | | new-holiday released novel. Depending on the size |
| to bake a new creation I just read about called | | | | of the basket, you might want to add another |
| SWIRLED TURTLE BROWNIES. I am sure that | | | | personal item or two. One could be a small votive |
| everyone in my family will enjoy these delights | | | | candle with a Christmas scent like sugar cookies, |
| and I know that I will. You can use home baked | | | | cinnamon, vanilla or some smell that reminds you |
| sweets as a gifts, too. | | | | of the holidays. Another one could be a small box |
| You will need to preheat the oven to 325* and | | | | of holiday note cards. |
| grease a 13x9-inch baking pan. In a small bowl, | | | | A favorite Christmas snack that is elegantly |
| add 1 & 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ | | | | displayed in a pretty basket or even box can be |
| cup NESTLE TOLL HOUSE baking cocoa, ½ | | | | a well received, loved sentimental present that will |
| teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt. In | | | | long be remembered. After baking and wrapping |
| a larger bowl, add ¾ cup softened butter, | | | | SWIRLED TURTLE BROWNIE, make sure to think |
| 1 & ½ cups packed brown sugar, 2 | | | | of your recipient's interests and try to choose |
| teaspoons vanilla extract and beat until creamy. | | | | small, unique, striking items to add to the gift |
| Slowly add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating | | | | basket. You can use a wide ribbon with wire in |
| well after each addition. Gradually add the flour | | | | the edges to wrap around the basket and tie |
| mixture from the small bowl to the creamy batch | | | | loosely to give it a final touch. Nothing is more |
| until mixed and then add the special ingredient, | | | | appreciated when it is received than a well |
| ¾ cup SWIRLDED Milk Chocolate & | | | | thought, hand made gift with personal items. A |
| Caramel Morsels and if you like nuts, add ½ | | | | delicious baked surprise that is a new recipe is |
| cup. Spread into prepared baking pan and sprinkle | | | | sure to be a hit for people who love sweet |
| the remaining Swirled Morsels and the remaining | | | | goods. Christmas sweets just seem to just |
| nuts over the top. Spread the batter into the | | | | scream, "Make me for the holidays and make |
| prepared greased pan. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes | | | | everybody happy". |
| until toothpick inserted 2 inches from outer edge | | | | Application of mind can help us create new things |
| comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire | | | | that will spread lots of joy during the festive time. |
| rack. Drizzle with caramel sauce before cutting | | | | The care that we take in selecting the gift is |
| into squares. This recipe makes 20 brownies. | | | | always appreciated and valued. |