Category Archives: Cooking

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

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One More Recipe… I Couldn’t Resist

I know, I know — I said I was going to take a little break from cooking posts. Around Dusty Roads is more than a recipe corner, after all. But when something this easy and this delicious crosses my path, how am I supposed to keep it to myself?

So here we are. One more. I promise it’s worth it.

Do you love peanut butter? Do you have a sweet tooth that wakes up the moment you see those peanut butter eggs at Easter or the Christmas tree–shaped Reese’s? If you’re nodding along, this one’s for you. It’s rich, it’s nostalgic, it’s no-bake, and it’s dangerously simple.

While I was digging through Turtle Fudge recipes for Valentine’s Day, I stumbled across this gem: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. The only real “work” involved is giving your biceps a little workout while mixing — so grab your trusty wooden spoon and channel your inner “Get Ready to Rumble!”

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (8 Tbsp.) salted butter, melted
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full sheets)
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, divided
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Peanut butter mix should look like this

Instructions

  1. Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper; set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and confectioners’ sugar. Stir in 1 cup of peanut butter, then press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
  3. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with the chocolate chips — microwave or stovetop both work. Stir until smooth, then spread over the peanut butter layer.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator until completely firm, at least 2 hours. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting.
  5. Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to a week.

almost as good as the pro’s

You can find the original recipe and extra notes over at Sally’s Baking.

No-bake, no guilt… unless you eat the whole pan. Not that I’d know.

If you give these a try, let me know how they turn out. I love hearing your tweaks, triumphs, and taste‑tester reviews.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day

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Sweet Words for Your One and Only

Need something heartfelt to say to your special someone this Valentine’s Day? Sometimes the perfect words are already out there, waiting to be borrowed. Here are a few romantic gems:

  • “You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought.” —Arthur Conan Doyle
  • “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours.”
  • “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” —Emily Brontë
  • “You are my sun, my moon, and all my stars.” —E. E. Cummings

I’m partial to that last one — it’s simple, poetic, and swoon‑worthy — but you know your sweetheart best. Pick the one that will make their heart go pitter‑pat.

Homemade Fudge for Valentine’s Day

Words are lovely, but chocolate? Chocolate seals the deal.

As many of you know, I’m a caramel‑and‑pecan girl through and through. I’m forever chasing the perfect “Turtle” recipe, so instead of classic chocolate fudge, I’m sharing a Caramel Turtle Fudge that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. It’s rich, gooey, and guaranteed to win you some extra points.

This recipe comes courtesy of Dash of Sanity.

Caramel Pecan Turtle Fudge

Ooey‑gooey caramel layered between rich chocolate and sprinkled with chopped pecans — this fudge is a candy lover’s dream come true.

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces caramel pieces (I use Kraft Caramels)
  • 1 heaping tablespoon heavy cream (evaporated milk works too)
  • 2 cups semi‑sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×9 or 8×8 baking dish with parchment or wax paper. If you don’t have either, just grease the pan and set aside.
  2. Combine unwrapped caramels and heavy cream in a microwave‑safe bowl. Heat in 30‑second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth.
  4. Stir in pecans and vanilla.
  5. Pour half the fudge mixture into your prepared pan.
  6. Pour the caramel layer over the fudge.
  7. Top with the remaining fudge and swirl gently with a knife.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until set.

A Sweet Finish

Once it’s firm, cut it into squares, tuck them into a pretty box, tie on a red ribbon, and pair with flowers and candlelight. It’s simple, thoughtful, and delicious — the perfect Valentine’s Day gesture.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

Crazy Puffs version 2

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If you liked my Crazy Puffs experiment there are tons of variations of the recipe on the internet. All it takes is a quick search for Crazy Puffs. This one caught my eye because instead of using pizza dough, it calls for frozen bread balls. Like I said in my previous post , I haven’t tried this one but it looks much less messy, just drop a frozen dough ball in the muffin tin and let it thaw out. Take a look!

This recipe uses frozen bread dough balls (such as Rhodes or similar) to create a copycat version of Little Caesars Crazy Puffs, featuring a garlic-butter crust, pepperoni, mozzarella, and a marinara-filled center. 

Ingredients

  • 12 frozen dinner rolls (thawed but not fully risen)
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
  • 24-30 slices of pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Garlic Butter: 1/4 cup melted butter (1/2 stick), 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, optional 1 tbsp dried parsley 

Instructions

  1. Thaw and Prepare Dough: Place frozen dough balls into a well-greased muffin tin. Cover with plastic wrap and let them thaw at room temperature for 1–2 hours until soft and puffy.
  2. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Create Puffs: Once thawed, use a small, greased glass or your fingers to press down the center of each dough ball, creating a well to form a cup shape.
  4. Add Flavor and Fillings:
    • Brush the insides of the dough cups generously with the garlic butter mixture.
    • Place a small amount of mozzarella cheese in the bottom of each cup.
    • Add a teaspoon of pizza sauce to each.
    • Add 2-3 slices of pepperoni and more mozzarella cheese on top.
    • Sprinkle the tops with Parmesan cheese and extra Italian seasoning.
  5. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  6. Finish: Remove from the oven and immediately brush the tops with the remaining garlic butter.
  7. Serve: Let them cool slightly in the pan for 5 minutes before removing to serve. 
Tips for Success
  • Prevent Sticking: Ensure the muffin tin is heavily oiled or sprayed with cooking spray to make removing the cheesy puffs easier.
  • Extra Crispy: For a crispier texture, use a higher temperature of 400°F–425°F for 12-15 minutes.
  • Filling Option: To prevent filling leakage, you can fill the dough balls and pinch them shut, then place them in the muffin tin and brush with garlic butter. 

 

Homemade “Crazy Puffs”

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Homemade “Crazy Puffs” — My Mini Pizza Experiment

Before we take a little break from cooking posts (travel stories, kitty antics, and other fun things are calling), I wanted to squeeze in two more easy recipes. Today’s adventure: Crazy Puffs.

Have you ever tried Little Caesars’ Crazy Puffs? I’ve heard of them for ages, but since there’s no Little Caesars near me anymore, I’ve never actually tasted the real thing. Still, I love small portions and bite‑sized snacks, so while I was already playing around with pizza dough, I figured—why not try making my own version at home?

If you’ve never encountered a Crazy Puff, think of it as a bite‑sized pizza snack, about the size of a muffin, filled with classic pizza flavors. They’re designed to be handheld, easy, and fun—perfect for pizza lovers who want something quick and poppable.

So how do we make them at home?
I’ve got two versions. I’ve only tested one so far, but it came out great. The second version will be coming up in another post, and you can decide which one you like better.

Crazy Puffs — Version 1

Ingredients

  • 1 (13.8‑oz) pizza crust, such as Pillsbury
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups jarred pizza sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups pepperoni slices
  • 4 cups pre‑shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place a baking sheet on the bottom rack. (that’s incase of drips)  Coat a shallow 12‑cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
  2. Roll the pizza dough across the muffin tin, stretching it so it covers the entire surface. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 12 squares. Discard any excess.
  3. Press each dough square into a muffin cup, bringing the dough halfway up the sides.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper. Brush the seasoned butter onto each dough cup.
  5. Add 1 teaspoon pizza sauce to each cup. Layer 2 slices of pepperoni, then 1 tablespoon mozzarella. Add 2 more slices of pepperoni, then 2 tablespoons mozzarella, pressing the cheese down so it stays inside the cup. Stir the Parmesan into the remaining butter mixture and drizzle a little over each puff.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Switch the oven to broil and broil for about 1 minute, just until the tops turn golden. Let cool for 2 minutes before serving.

 

I’ll share the second version soon. It has a couple of key differences and might even be easier—or at least less messy. You can be the judge.

 

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

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A Cautionary Tale of Conversions Gone Wrong

One of my favorite dinners is Chicken and Broccoli. I love the stuff and always order it when I get Chinese takeout. For years I’ve been trying to figure out what makes restaurant versions taste better than my own. I’ve tried over a dozen recipes, and while mine are good — even great — they never quite have that true “Chinese restaurant” vibe.

Recently I found a recipe that used seasonings I don’t normally reach for. I thought, Could this be it? Have I just been missing the right flavors all along? What follows is a tale that perfectly illustrates why I always recommend making a recipe as written the first time. Then — and only then — start tweaking.

Once More Unto the Breach

It’s been bitterly cold, and I hate the cold. Other than venturing out to clear snow off the car, I’ve basically been hibernating. That means I haven’t been to the store, and my spices and staples are running low. Still, I pulled out my wok, determined to give this recipe a try.

Step one: gather all ingredients. This is especially important with a wok — once you start, there’s no slowing down. The process moves fast.

Ingredients

  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
    (All out. Will substitute garlic powder… what was that conversion again?)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
    (Oops. Also out. Only have ginger powder.)
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into ½‑inch pieces
  • 2 medium heads broccoli, cut into bite‑sized florets
  • Rice and toasted sesame seeds for serving

The problem: I had no idea what the correct conversions were for garlic powder or ginger powder. I could have — should have — taken a minute to look them up. But no. My wok was heating, I was excited, and I forged ahead using a 1:1 swap. In the back of my mind I knew powders are more concentrated, but momentum had taken over.

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, I whisked together the garlic powder, broth, soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, ginger, and sesame oil until the cornstarch dissolved.
  2. In my wok over high heat, I added the neutral oil and dumped in the chicken. It sizzled like crazy. After it released, I stirred and cooked it for another 5 minutes until done. Removed it to a plate.
  3. I lowered the heat to medium‑low and tossed in the broccoli and sauce mixture. The recipe said to cover and steam for 2–3 minutes.
    This is where disaster struck.
    I’d been uneasy about the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, but the recipe definitely said tablespoons. The moment the sauce hit the broccoli, it seized into a solid mass. I had to scrape it off the bottom of the wok.
    Too. Much. Cornstarch.
    I grabbed a can of chicken broth and started pouring. I ended up using the whole can to thin the sauce — but it worked. Crisis averted.
  4. I uncovered the wok, returned the chicken and juices, and cooked for another minute or two. I didn’t need to wait for the sauce to thicken — it was already there. Next time I’ll try 2 teaspoons, not tablespoons.

Time to Taste

I skipped the rice and went straight for a bowl. It looked good. It smelled even better.

Then I took a bite.

WHOA.
My mouth exploded. The top of my head blew off.
Spicy!
Even with the extra broth, the flavor was intense. I hate to imagine what it would’ve been like without it.

The next day, I added a little water, microwaved a portion, and served it over egg noodles. Much milder — and honestly delicious. But let’s break down where things went wrong.

The Error of My Ways

1. The Spice Conversions

Garlic Powder Instead of Fresh Garlic

When a recipe calls for 1 clove of fresh garlic, finely chopped, use:

  • 1 clove fresh → 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Fresh Garlic Garlic Powder
1 clove 1/4 tsp
2 cloves 1/2 tsp
3 cloves 3/4 tsp
4 cloves 1 tsp

Ginger Powder Instead of Fresh Ginger

For 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger, use:

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Ground ginger is much more concentrated, so a tiny amount goes a long way.

2. The Cornstarch Catastrophe

This one wasn’t my fault — or at least not entirely. The recipe called for 2 tablespoons, which is far too much for a stir fry sauce. My accidental broth rescue probably saved the dish. The next day, after the flavors mellowed, it was actually wonderful.

Was It a Success?

Maybe… in spite of myself.
I’ll definitely try it again once my taste buds recover.

My Best Advice

Be careful with your conversions!
A little powder goes a long, long way.