Chocolate Chip Samoa Layered Brownie Bars

If you've stumbled across "Slutty Brownies" on Pinterest (one finds the most interesting titles on Pinterest...) or read my recipe for Chocolate Chip Oreo-O-M-G-Brownies with a much more G-rated name, then you'll know where the inspiration for this next concoction came from.  I love Samoas Girl Scout Cookies.  Caramel, coconut, and chocolate make up this magical ring of cookie.  Keebler makes a version year round as Coconut Dreams (check your cookie aisle - - - you'll thank/hate me later).   I took all the shortcuts on this layered bar so it's very easy to make.  The only hard part is not eating the cookie dough or cookies during prep.  

Gather the goods:

• Refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough (2-16oz tubes of dough or 1 tub of dough)
• 1 package Keebler Coconut Dreams or Samoas, roughly chopped
• 1 Pillsbury Dark Chocolate Brownie mix (family sized) + ingredients on box

 Heat oven to 350°.  Prepare the bottom of a 13x9 pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper/foil for easy removal.  Press refrigerated cookie dough into bottom of pan.  (I used 3/4 of the 36oz tub of dough). 

Roughly chop Keebler Coconut Dreams.  (You could also just line the cookies as is but I prefer to roughly chop them for the layer).  Press down a little to help the Coconut Dreams settle into the cookie dough.  Prepare brownie batter as directed on the box.  Pour the batter on top of the Coconut Dreams layer.  Spread evenly.  Bake for 30-35 minutes.  Brownies are done when a knife inserted into the brownie comes out clean.  Allow brownies to cool completely.  Enjoy! 

Why I Love It: This can barely even be considered a recipe because it is so easy to bake, plus it incorporates my favorite cookie.  
Your turn: Share your version of the recipe with us!  #tammytastes

Blueberry Coconut Overnight Oats

Part of a healthy journey starts with preparation and planning.  We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but often times it’s the one we grab whatever is packaged and head out the door.  A few minutes the night before and you’ll have an easy  “grab and go” breakfast for the morning.  Overnight oats require just throwing everything in a container and letting it set in the fridge overnight.  I’ve done many versions of overnight oats.  Here’s my newest edition thanks to trying out Wildtree Hearty Oatmeal Mix-In Coconut.  The recipe below will “cost you” 6 if you are tracking. 

• 6 oz nonfat Greek yogurt, plain  (I use Fage’s 0%)
• ½ cup blueberries (I always have frozen blueberries in the freezer)
• ¼ cup quick oats, uncooked
• 1 tsp coconut (I used Wildtree Hearty Oatmeal Mix-in Coconut – it is DELICIOUS)

In a container layer Greek yogurt, quick oats, coconut mix-in, and blueberries.  I’ve layered these in mason jars or have thrown all the ingredients in a plastic container – there is no need to have perfect layers.  Let it sit in the fridge overnight.  Grab a spoon and enjoy your breakfast.  1 serving, 6 WW

Meal Prep:  Overnight oats are something I look forward to in the morning, so I don’t mind having it on repeat 5 times through the week.  To make life easier, I do all the prep work on Sunday so I can enjoy it Monday-Friday.  I buy a large container of the plain Fage yogurt and divide it out into 5 containers.  I measure out the other ingredients and keep those separated in small baggies so it makes it even easier to assemble the night before.  You’ll have a little bit of liquid in the container of plain yogurt if you measure it out into 5 separate plastic containers.  There is no need to strain it!  The liquid will be mopped with all that deliciousness you’re adding. 

Why I Love It: It is so easy to change up the recipe and substitute whatever you have on hand.  The combinations are endless.

Your turn:  Try it out and share your version!  #tammytastes