Ahhhh, the Florida winter weather.  Let me pick out what shorts to put on today, ones that match my favorite tan flip flops.  All while I am watching the news reports of the snow storm that has struck the northeast United States.  Piles of snow, city transportation suspended, flights cancelled, tired commuters sleeping on the airport floor- how many Facebook snow related pictures are on your news feed?   Admittedly, I am super jealous- would love to take a sled ride down the hill I grew up with in my Philadelphia back yard.

Camping season, fire pit season, or even just soft blanket season come unexpectedly in Florida, and is gone before you know it.  I love cool nights that justify buying leather boots or a great looking jacket.  Sitting outside by our fire pit that has only been used a handful of times is a great way to end the day.  When there is a chance of winter visiting Florida, I grab on tight-  boots, fires, blankets, comfort dinners and how could Smores be ignored.

Generally there is a box of brownie mix in our cabinet, stemming from my inability to resist 2 for 1 at the grocery.  Pastry Chefs may balk, but honestly, I have yet to meet a bad brownie.  Bad Cookies, cakes, ect- yes, I have tasted several that I put down with displeasure, but not the brownie.  Brownies are simply never bad.    With a cool night upon us, I pulled out the box mix and grabbed the smores components that I keep for in hopes of an impromptu fire pit evening.  They came out delicious!  A tall glass of ice cold milk and every bite was a treat.

Ingredients

• ½ stick butter, melted
• 1 cup graham crumbs, about 6 crackers
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 box favorite brownie mix, or make your favorite recipe
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Directions

Preheat oven to 325.  Combine the melted butter, graham crumbs and brown sugar in a bowl and blend well.  Coat 9×9 brownie pan with cooking spray and spread graham crust evenly on the bottom of the pan.  Prepare brownies as directed on the box or in the recipe and pour on top of graham crust.  Bake  33-36 minutes or as directed.  Remove from oven when the center of the brownies is cooked, try sticking a toothpick in to see if it comes out clean.  Turn the oven to broil and sprinkle the marshmallows around the pan.  Place the pan back in the oven and watch until the marshmallows are evenly toasted.  Remove from oven and allow to cool.  Cut into squares as small or big as you like and enjoy!

There may not be any sleds or even firepits in my plans for the weekend but the memories of multiple snow suit changes, mugs of hot cocoa and races down the hill will bring a smile when I see the 100th picture of snow in my Facebook feed.

May you enoy the snow or escape the snow this weekend- either way, stay warm in the heart!