Manna from Heaven Brownies

This is from my old roommate, Natalie. My other roommate, Emma, thought these brownies were so yummy that she dubbed them 'Manna from Heaven'. Hence the name.

These brownies are SUPER EASY to whip up when you want dessert in a fix. I've made them every weekend for the past three weeks, and have proceeded to eat at least half the pan. Don't judge.

1 (softened) stick of butter
2 c. Sugar
1/2 c. Cocoa
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
1 t. baking powder
4 eggs

So easy I already have it memorized, I also pour in some chocolate chips (I don't know how much, till it looks good), just because I'm a choco-holic. My only mixing instruction is to put the eggs in last. Bake at 350 for ~25 minutes (or less if you want them more gooey) in a dark 9 x 13 pan  and ~30 minutes (or more if you want them less gooey) in a glass 9 x 13 pan.

I'll post a picture when I make them again (probably soonish).

My Favorite! Fresh Strawberry Pie

This is my very very favorite dessert EVER! It is SO SO yummy! It's also WAY easier than it looks. The first time it only took me about half an hour. I made this with a vanilla wafer crust, but it calls for a regular pie crust. Either will taste delicious, it really depends on the balance of flavors you want:

Makes 1 (9-inch) pie

Ingredients:
1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced (you could even use a little less, a whole pound is a lot)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cupstrawberry jello
Red food coloring (optional)
1 (9-inch) piecrust, homemade, or store-bought, baked as directed (you can also use graham crackers or vanilla wafers to make a crust if you want, either will taste good with this pie)
Whipped topping or fresh whipped cream

1. In a medium bowl, toss the strawberries with the powdered sugar. Let sit for a few minutes, then pour off the juice.

2. While the strawberries are sitting, place the granulated sugar, water, cornstarch, and salt in the saucepan; cook, stirring until it is clear and thick (she says about 3 minutes, and she doesn't mention the heat, I would say medium high, and it's ok if it boils). 1/4 cup of the Jell-O powder, and a few drops of red food coloring (I left that out). Stir well and let cool.

3. Place the strawberries in the piecrust and pour the Jell-O mixture over the strawberries.

4. Top with whipped topping and chill to set before serving (I added the whipped topping before serving.)

Easy Eclairs

So I'm not really sure about amounts so I'm not going to tell you how many graham crackers and how much frosting, and I've also experimented with different flavors of pudding and frosting which gives more varieties that taste good too if you want to do that. I got it from Emma, mine and Shelley's old roommate, who I think actually got it from Brittany, our other roommate. It's sooo easy. This is the best combination that I found so far.

Ingredients:

• Whole Graham Crackers
• 2 pkgs of vanilla instant pudding
• 3 Cups of milk
• 1 (8 oz) carton of cool whip
• Chocolate frosting

First mix the pudding, milk, and cool whip in a large mixing bowl.

In bottom of 9"x13" pan, place a single layer of whole graham crackers. Spread half of pudding mixture over crackers. Add another layer of crackers, rest of pudding, ending with another layer of graham crackers.

For the topping just frost the graham crackers, it might make it easier to do that if you heat up the frosting in the microwave a little bit.

When it's ready then refrigerate at least for the next 4-5 hours. The longer you refrigerate then the better (softer)  it will be.