Rhapsody in Rooms

A Colorful & Creative Life

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies

Ooey gooey dark chocolate chips nesting in a deliciously chewy blonde brownie. That’s what’s on the dessert menu today!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

The other day I was itching for something chewy and chocolate – but also something that I could easily whip up with what I had in the kitchen. I came across this recipe From Susannah’s Kitchen that I modified into these delicious brownies.

Go ahead, stir up a batch. They’re easy; they’re quick; they don’t make too many (’cause you’ll be tempted to eat them all).

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

Ingredients

1/2 stick unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 egg
1-1/4 cups all–purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup chocolate chips (I used dark)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease an 8″×8″ baking pan. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from the heat, and add the peanut butter. Set aside to cool. I put in refrigerator to help cool it quickly.
4. Next, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl.
5. Add the egg to the cooled butter and sugar mixture and mix well.
6. Add the vanilla extract and stir mixture to combine.
7. Pour the wet mixture into the prepared dry ingredients. Stir to create a thick, smooth batter.
8. Fold in half the chocolate chips, reserving the remainder for sprinkling on top.
9. Transfer the batter to the prepared square pan, spreading the batter evenly to the edges. Sprinkle with the reserved chocolate chips and lightly press them into the batter.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are slightly browned. Allow to cool in the pan.
11. Cut into squares and serve.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

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Jena

Megan, I think you and I are cooking kindred spirits. All of the recipes you post always look so good! Blondies are one of my favorites!ReplyCancel
- Megan
  
  I love that Jena! Cooking kindred spirits! Blondies are so good – especially when you add chocolate! 🙂ReplyCancel
Paula@SweetPea

You had me and peanut butter and chocolate. Can there be any better combination? Thanks for sharing this delicious sounding recipe.ReplyCancel
- Megan
  
  I completely agree Paula! There is no better combination than peanut butter and chocolate!ReplyCancel
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule

Yum…those look fabulous! I love anything with chocolate in it!! 😉

NancyReplyCancel
- Megan
  
  Thanks Nancy! I agree – anything with chocolate is the best!ReplyCancel

Creating a Better Work Space w/ Unexpected Items

Your work space. You spend most of your days there, you sometimes eat there, you talk on the phone there…and the list goes on. It is a place that has to work so hard for you to allow you to do your best.

So when I think of an ideal work place these words come to mind:

Beautiful
Inspiring
Organized
Functional

When I looked at my work space, I wasn’t seeing those words. There was some clutter and a hodge podge to it that wasn’t inspiring to me. Instead of sitting down wanting to work, I just wanted to get up and change it. So one day I did.

I wanted beautiful items to store my office supplies. I wanted to find new uses for old things. I wanted some glitz and glam. These things inspire me.

I first began with a thrifted acrylic frame I found in great shape for under $2.I took out the backing and flipped it for a tray.

Then I layered in my beautiful items to hold my office supplies.

I found the brass tiered stand at Goodwill.

The green and gold container was found at a yard sale. It hides my writing utensils clutter free! I also found the Moroccan brass dish at a yard sale.

The geometric cup was a thrift store find too.

I layered in a few beautiful and necessary items in there too, like a mini pink stapler, a pen sporting my college’s name, a quote, and a special heart rock my mom gave to me.

I also found an adorable brass cage with a hinged top that is perfect for business cards.

Next up was a HomeGoods tray with a mirrored bottom that I instantly fell in love with. I knew this would be a great place to store my files that I use frequently or items that I need to act on quickly. I know myself – out of sight, out of mind, so I needed an open storage so my to-do items can stare at me until I do them.

I’ve been using it a few weeks now and this system really is working for me.

How do you organize your work space so you’re working smarter, not harder?

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Jackie

LOVE! Especially that amazing brass tiered tray!ReplyCancel
- Megan
  
  Thank you Jackie! Can you believe I scored that at Goodwill?!? ReplyCancel
Suzanna

What a pretty space! Did you go out looking for those kind of lovelies when you wanted to redo your workspace or were they trinkets you already had around the house?ReplyCancel
- Megan
  
  Thanks Suzanna! Before I go shopping (especially at a thrift store where your mind can really stray) I like to make a list of items that I need. This helps me stay focused. I knew I wanted to update my desk so I definitely included this on my list when I was shopping – although I was not heading out to specifically look for these items. They were one of the many categories I had on my list. This way I don’t feel pressure to find items right that day. It allows me to find the perfect items and not find suitable items because I need them that day.ReplyCancel
Paula@SweetPea

Who wouldn’t be inspired if that sat at your desk? I love your creative uses of thrift store items.ReplyCancel
- Megan
  
  Thanks so much Paula! I love the thrifted items too!ReplyCancel
Jessica @ Gourley Girl & Guy

Hey, Megan! Your desktop is gorgeous AND I love that lamp to the right with the hanging light bulbs. Do you have any idea where I could find a lamp like that?! I loooooove it! Beautiful workspace! 🙂ReplyCancel
- Megan
  
  Hi Jessica! Thank you! I actually found that lamp in an estate store so I don’t know where you could find it. I saw one recently that sort of looked like it on Craigslist so there have to be more out there. Ebay could be an option too.ReplyCancel
Glenn

Wowwwwww….. Makes my office look like a Dungeon! I want a pink stapler ! Great job Mego.ReplyCancel
- Megan
  
  Haha! Not a dungeon – just a lot of stuff, right? And the pink stapler can be yours – it came from the dollar store! I’ll keep it in mind for your birthday!ReplyCancel

Cold Weather Soup and Chili Recipes

There seems to be an Arctic breeze blowing through the country – even in the south! When it is cold and snowy here I sometimes wish I was at the beach – except that it is snowing at the beach now too. So instead, I’m going to embrace the warmth inside our cozy little home and whip up a batch of my favorite soup.

I thought you may want to find a few new cold weather recipes as well, so I asked a group of my blogging friends to share their favorite soup and chili recipes. And here’s a shocker for you – some have meat! So for my meat eaters out there, enjoy, and for my veggie compatriots you know the drill – just substitute that meat with the soy meat or tofu. I definitely know that I am going to try that route.

Beefy Tortellini Soup

Christy’s son will only eat two soups and this is one of them. In the summertime Christy uses fresh tomatoes and zucchini from her garden in her recipe. That alone will also help this recipe keep you warm in the summertime. Plus, anything with tortellini has me instantly sold.

Beefy Tortellini Soup from Our Southern Home

Lasagna Soup with Herbed Ricotta

Christine recommends serving this delicious Italian soup with salad and crusty garlic bread. The herbed ricotta really intrigues me in a soup. I’ve never tried that before!

Lasagna Soup with Herbed Ricotta by First Home Love Life

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Meegan prefers ground turkey to ground beef (although I would make this with the soy crumbles) and reports that even her grandchildren beg her to make this chili. Making it in the slow cooker is a plus for dinner on a busy day.

Meegan’s Slow Cooker Chili from What Meegan Makes

Pasta e Fagioli

If you love Olive Garden, then you’ll want to try Sharon’s copycat recipe of their pasta e fagioli. Which is perfect for me since I am obsessed with their soup, salad, and break stick lunch special. Her recipe makes 9 quarts but can easily be halved for smaller families.

pasta e fagioli from Mrs.. Hines’ Class

Corn Chowder with Sausage

Paula always seems to be cooking up new recipes but this corn chowder with sausage (or fake sausage) seems like the perfect cold night dinner. Plus, it only takes a few ingredients and minutes to whip this soup up.

Corn Chowder with Sausage from Sweet Pea

Sweet Potato Chili

One of my favorite recipes of all time is my sweet potato chili. I make it in a slow cooker and it makes a ton for many delicious meals throughout the week.

I can’t wait to try these yummy recipes! Which one are you planning to try first? I think I see Pasta e Fagioli in my future!

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Remodelaholic

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Paula@SweetPea

Today is the perfect day for soup. Thanks so much for including my Corn Chowder with Sausage in your round-up.ReplyCancel
- Megan
  
  I completely agree! I want soup for every meal today! Definitely loved your easy corn chowder recipe!ReplyCancel

Valentine’s Day DIY Dinner Tablescape

Valentine’s Day should be a special day, whether you are single or taken and whether you go out or stay in. Personally, Eric and I aren’t the biggest V-Day celebrators. We don’t enjoy the set menu and the huge crowds at restaurants. We prefer to have a nice, casual yet special night in. To make it a little different from most nights, I thought I would whip up a little dinner tablescape that is romantic and fun yet simple.

The basis of this tablescape is the chalkboard table runner. It is so simple to make in these two easy steps.

1. I decided to use four sheets of chalkboard scrapbook paper (yes they have this – isn’t that awesome!?). I laid them out on the table to the length I wanted and then just taped them together on the backside.

2. After the runner was together, I made sure to season the chalk paper so our love notes weren’t permanently on there (although that would be adorable). All I had to do was rub a piece of chalk across it and then wipe it off. The table runner was now complete and ready for words.

Before I chalked up my runner with flowerful words I needed to put the wine glass, cupcake, and candle centerpiece together. To do this I used:

4 wine glasses (use what you have or buy them at the dollar store)
4 small pillar candles
A bunch red roses (real or fake)
Valentine’s Day cupcakes (Tip: Buy these at the end of the day when the bakery marks down all their fresh baked goods from that day. I got mine 50% off and they were still fresh and delicious.)
Glitter tape
Valentine’s Day ribbon
Decorative hearts

First, I placed the wine glasses upside down on the chalk table runner. I decided to use two different sizes to give a slightly stacked look.

Next, place a cupcake or flower under each wine glass. I chose to do every other. My flowers were fake so I was able to wind them up a little to make them sit up in the glass.

Finally, place the candle on top of the upside down wine glass. I decorated mine with glitter tape and ribbon (just taped around it) to make it more festive.

Since I had leftover cupcakes and roses, I strew them around the runner as well.

As a finishing touch I wrote sweet little love messages all over the runner.

Now light those candles and enjoy a delightful date night in!

What are you Valentine’s Day plans? Any projects up your sleeve for this day of love?

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Meg

Very cute! We’re not big on the overpriced-dinners-out thing on Valentine’s, either, but always struggle to come up with ways to still make the day special without going out. It’s an ongoing project, but I think I’m going to aim for a special menu this year. It’s our first married Valentine’s — must do something! 🙂ReplyCancel
- Megan
  
  I love the special menu idea! How cute! Congrats on it being your first V-Day married! You should make a menu that you can keep and remember the day by.ReplyCancel
Therese @ Fresh Idea Studio

Such a sweet 😉 Valentine’s Day table Megan! I love the cuppies under the wine glasses and the craft paper runner! So pinning that cuteness!
cheersReplyCancel
- Megan
  
  Thank you Therese! I was so happy to find the chalk board scrap book paper to make the runner!ReplyCancel
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule

Totally adorable Valentines Tablescape. I LOVE it!

NancyReplyCancel
- Megan
  
  Thank you Nancy! It makes me happy to look at. 🙂ReplyCancel
Paula@SweetPea

We aren’t big on celebrating Valentine’s Day by going out, either. A quiet dinner at home is definitely more my speed.

I love this beautiful table setting! You are clever to use chalkboard scrapbook paper to create a runner. I didn’t know that product existed.

Those cupcakes look so good! We love to peruse the “on sale” bakery section at Kroger.ReplyCancel
- Megan
  
  Thank you Paula! I recently discovered the chalkboard scrapbook paper myself. I’m a huge fan now! And the cupcakes were delicious…ReplyCancel
Mary

How cute! Saw this on remodelholic’s facebook page. I did the same idea for my wedding centerpieces! (roses underneath, candle on top). They were STUNNING. Definitely a great go-to centerpiece that can be changed with the seasons.
Thanks for posting!ReplyCancel
- Megan
  
  Oh your wedding centerpieces sounds beautiful!ReplyCancel
Creative Craft Storage on Teal & Lime - Rappsody in Rooms

[…] noon in partnership with Hometalk, the largest home and garden social media network, to share my DIY Valentines Day romantic dinner table setting. I’ll be sharing the video here afterwards, but I would love some local support if you can! […]ReplyCancel
16 last minute Valentine ideas -

[…] Valentines dinner Tablescape […]ReplyCancel
DIY Dinner Party Table Ideas - My Life and Kids

[…] Love Themed Tablescape from Rappsody in […]ReplyCancel

Art for the Eclectic Home

Today I would love to share with you a gem of a book. A book for every one of all ages and reading abilities. Well, that’s because it is a picture book – but not in your typical picture book for children. It is an art book.

Yes, a book full of frameable, fun, and beautiful photographs and drawings.

The book is from the bloggers over at The Handmade Home. They actually put together three art books:

I’m so in love with these books. I’ve only bought the eclectic collection, but the other two are hanging out in my Amazon cart, just begging to be bought already.

Why do I like them so? It takes the labor out of artwork. I love artwork so much, but I put a lot of pressure on myself with it. I either think it has to be handmade or it has to be the most moving/beautiful/inspiring piece I’ve ever laid my eyes on.

Now with those goals for artwork, is it surprising there are massive blank walls in the house?

Yes, I believe everything should bring happiness and beauty into a house – but it doesn’t have to be as monumental as I seem to be making it.

Enter the book. It gives me a whole book-full of art choices that I just tear on the perforated line and hang in an 8×10 frame. It’s easy, a lot (but not too much) to choose from, and no pressure. Heck, if I don’t like it in a week, I’ll swap it out at no extra cost. No tears over not liking the $300 painting anymore. Plus, it is an easy way to make your house effortlessly grow with you.

I believe there is a picture (or 20) in there for everyone – from kids to adults (to kid-like adults).

There are paintings…

There are illustrations…

There is fun…

There is color…

There are cars (both Megan and my man approved)…

I picked my two favorite (at the moment) and hung them in simple white frames. These are the finishing touches to this little corner of the Mego Cave.

Isn’t this such a cozy little place now, with the chair from the side of the road and the chalk painted and newly styled shelf?

I love to snuggle in there with a fuzzy blanket, a good book, a hot cup of tea, and read or stare out the window, or glance up at my artwork. Dare I say this is my own little corner of heaven?!

I was not paid to review these books. I’m just a huge fan and thought you should know about them too! However, Amazon affiliate links are listed in this post.

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies