Two favorite holiday desserts from my childhood were my Mom’s Festive Holiday Cake, and her Carmel Brownie Surprise. Both treats were fun to help prepare, and delightful to eat!

Festive Holiday Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 box of Red Velvet Cake Mix

• 3 eggs

• 1/3 cup of oil

• 1 ¼ cup of water

• 1 container of vanilla whipped frosting

• 1 bag of peppermints

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, combine the box of red velvet cake mix with the eggs,
oil, and water. Mix well.

3. Spray two eight inch cake pans with a non stick cooking spray, such as Pam.

4. Bake both according to directions on the box, which is usually twenty five to thirty minutes (but can vary according to altitude).

5. Let both cakes cool completely.

6. Once cooled, take one cake out of the pan and place on a large plate or platter.

7. Spread one layer of vanilla frosting over the top of the cake.

8. Place the second red velvet cake on top of the first.

9. Spread remaining icing over the entire cake.

10. Remove the peppermints from their plastic wrap, and place along the border of the cake.

11. If you have kids helping with the baking process, you can let them use
their creativity on placing the peppermints!

Carmel Brownie Surprise Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 box of brownie mix

• 1 egg

• 1 Tablespoon of oil

• 1 ½ cup of water

• 1 jar of caramel topping sauce

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla ice cream

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Combine brownie mix with egg, oil and water. Mix well.

3. Spray your brownie pan with a non stick cooking spray.

4. Pour one layer of the brownie mixture into pan.

5. Drizzle caramel topping over the brownie mix.

6. Pour the remaining brownie mixture into pan, and spread evenly.

7. Drizzle one additional layer of caramel mixture over the top of the brownie pan.

8. Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes, or until cooked through.

9. After the brownies are baked, set aside to cook.

10. Cut the caramel brownies into squares.

11. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the brownies.

12. For the surprise part of this recipe, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Without a doubt, if your kids think you are having caramel brownies for dessert, they’ll be thrilled. If you surprise them with some vanilla ice cream on top of the brownies, they’ll be over the moon!