Tag: coconut

Almond Joy Brownie Recipe That’s Yummy

Posted on by Kitty

I came across almonds the other day and thought they would be a healthy snack. However, there are splurge days, so I began thinking of incorporating them into brownies. Immediately, one of my favorite candy bars came to mind – Almond Joy. It just so happens that my husband loves it, too. Using the base brownie recipe from my previous post, I substituted brown sugar for white sugar and added the main ingredients of an Almond Joy bar.

Brownie Batter Chopped, Roasted AlmondsAlmond Joy Brownies Before Baking

Almond Joy Brownie Recipe

1 Stick Butter
1 C. Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
1-2 tsp. Vanilla
3/4 C. Flour
1/4 C. Cocoa
1 C. Almonds
1/2 C. Chocolate Chips
3/4 C. Coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8 X 8 inch glass pan. Melt the butter in the microwave for about a minute, then add the sugar and stir. After the mixture has cooled some, add the eggs and beat until well incorporated. Then add the vanilla and stir again. Pour the flour and cocoa into the wet ingredients and gently mix together with a spoon or spatula. Once the batter is smooth, add the almonds, chocolate chips, and coconut. For more of a true Hershey taste, use Hershey brand chocolate chips and cocoa. Adding more chocolate chips than called for will make the brownies more gooey.

Almond Joy Brownies

Brown Sugar Compared to White Sugar

Brown sugar contains more liquid than white sugar because it has molasses. It’s nature means that whatever it’s used in will be softer and more moist than when using white sugar. This holds true for brownies. I’ve always been a huge fan of dipping my brownie in milk, and substituting brown sugar for white allows for secure dunking. The brownie squares stay together and absorb the milk well. White sugar or a 50/50 blend of white and brown can be used for different consistencies. What it comes down to is personal preference really because the ratio of substitution is 1:1. Just remember that the brown sugar must always be packed firmly for correct substitution.

Almond Joy Brownie Squares

Keep Hair Shiny and Thick with Essential Oils

Posted on by Kitty

The very first step to achieving healthier, fuller hair is to toss out any shampoo containing sulfates and alcohol. Both of those ingredients have been shown to cause irritation and dryness in scalps. Sulfates are known for making the scalp feel extremely clean. That’s because they strip off all the oils from the hair, scalp, and follicles. Although it technically does it’s job, sulfate shampoo takes away the natural, beneficial oils, making it harmful overall.

Olive Oil for Hair

There are many different recipes out there for homemade shampoo. All of them can be tailored to meet specific needs. Essential oils are great additives because they provide amazing benefits. From hair loss to shinier locks, oils deliver. The basic recipe for homemade shampoo includes distilled water, liquid Castile soap, and a carrier oil. If adding essential oils to your shampoo, keep the mixture in a dark, glass bottle that can be made airtight. Glass cannot be melted by the oils like plastic can. If using the basic recipe or just carrier oils, plastic bottles are fine to use.

Basic Homemade Shampoo Recipe

1/4 Cup Distilled Water
1/4 Cup Liquid Castile Soap
1/2 tsp. Jojoba Oil or Carrier Oil of Choosing
Essential Oils of  Choosing (optional)

Essential Oils

Before shampooing your hair, try massaging an oil mixture into your scalp and leaving it in for 10 minutes. Different oils accomplish different tasks. It is important to use all oils with caution because some could cause an allergic reaction. Never use an essential oil without diluting it first with a carrier/base oil. A good ratio to use is 3-6 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon carrier oil. I have made a chart to help guide what recipe to make.

Chart of Essential Oil Benefits for Hair

Table of Oils for HairAny combination of the oils above can be mixed and massaged onto the scalp for gorgeous hair. Just leave the mixture in for 10 minutes, or overnight, for a drastic change. If leaving the oils in overnight, be sure to cover your head with a cap. Whether using just the shampoo, or adding a luxurious oil treatment, natural is the way to go for healthier hair.