Mudslide Critter Bars Recipes

DARK CHOCOLATE NUT BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush an 8-by-8-inch dish with 1 teaspoon of the coconut oil and set aside.
• Combine the coconut flakes, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, trail mix and flaxseed and spread into an even layer on a baking sheet. Toast until lightly golden, 10 to 12 minutes, then transfer to a large heatproof bowl. Set aside.
• In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, honey and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the temperature on a candy thermometer reads 260 degrees F, about 5 minutes. Immediately pour over the nut mixture and stir to coat. Use a rubber spatula to press the mixture into the prepared dish and let cool until set, about 30 minutes.
• To make the chocolate drizzle, combine the chocolate chips and remaining 1 teaspoon coconut oil in a medium heatproof bowl and place over a small pot of simmering water. Heat, stirring, until melted and smooth. (Alternatively, combine the chocolate and oil and microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring often, until melted and smooth.)
• Drizzle the chocolate over the mixture. When set, cut into bars and serve.

FROZEN BASIL LEMONADE

Steps:

• To make the simple syrup, place the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sugar dissolves, 2 to 3 minutes, then cool.
• Pour the simple syrup in the pitcher of a blender with the ice, lemon juice and basil, and puree until smooth. Serve cold.

BACON WRAPPED TROUT

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Sprinkle the inside and outside of the trout with salt and pepper. Combine 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the herbs, capers, garlic, lemon juice and some salt and pepper in a small bowl and divide this mixture between the two trout. Fold the trout back onto themselves, lay 2 lemon slices on top of each fish, and then wrap each trout with 2 slices of bacon holding the lemons in place.
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and coat lightly with the remaining tablespoon olive oil. Place the trout, lemon-side up, in the pan and cook for 3 minutes, then place in the oven. Roast, flipping halfway through roasting to ensure the bacon is crisp, for 20 to 25 minutes.

QUICK-PICKLED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the vinegar, salt, mustard seeds, chile flakes and 3 cups water to a simmer. Cook until the salt has dissolved, about 5 minutes.
• Divide the dill, garlic, zucchini and onions evenly between 2 quart-size mason jars.
• Pour the hot liquid into the mason jars to cover the ingredients and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Serve immediately or cover with lids and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

MOSCOW MULE

Steps:

• Combine the sugar, ginger and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let cool a bit, strain out the ginger, and then let cool completely.
• In a large pitcher, stir together the ginger syrup and vodka. Fill 10 glasses with ice and pour the cocktail over. Top off with a splash of tonic water and garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.

GOPHER BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a glass 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish with butter and line it with strips of parchment paper so the paper comes up over the edge of the dish. Grease the paper with more butter.
• Place a small pot of water on medium heat, and bring to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl over the simmering water and add the butter and chocolate to gently melt together, stirring to combine. (This can also be done in the microwave, heating at 15 second intervals.)
• Transfer the chocolate and butter mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the brown and granulated sugars, eggs, vanilla and salt and whisk together. Add the flour and gently whisk to combine, then pour into the baking dish. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out somewhat clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let the brownies cool completely.
• Carefully spread the Minty Buttercream over the brownies, then refrigerate until firm. Once the buttercream has firmed up, use the parchment sleeves to carefully remove the brownies from the baking dish. Slice into bars.
• Combine the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat until smooth. Add the creme de menthe and beat until combined. Add the confectioners' sugar a quarter at a time and beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.