Sunday, January 26, 2014

Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts

Hey Hey and Happy Sunday to you all. Sundays at our house are a day of napping, baking and movie watching. It's pretty much the best day of the week. I can guarantee my husband will be off work and we make sure to almost never have plans. It's awesome!

So I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned it on here before, but I am cheap. Like crazy cheap. Like I would make my own clothes and soap and detergent if I knew how. I would have chickens and goats if our HOA would let me. I make crock pot meals not to save time, but to save money on our grocery bill. My first purchase come spring is a garden kit so I can start making our own fresh produce. I clip coupons like it's my job. I will drive past two Krogers and a Marsh just so I can save a few cents to buy four things at Meijer. I probably say "Waste not, want not!" 10 times a week. I'm dangerously close to having all of my clothes made out of yarn. If someone bought me a crocheting starter kit I guarantee you it would happen. Maybe someday I'll write about all the ways I save our family money throughout the month. The savings would shock you!

I blame my crazy cheapness on my sister. A few years ago she introduced me to a man that changed my life forever! No it's not my husband...it was Dave Ramsey! He is an amazing man who basically breaks down how easy it is to get your financial situation under control (mine was way out of hand). All he does is introduce a few simple steps for you to follow and before you know it, credit card debit is disappearing, car payments are non-existent and there's actually money in the savings account! I became debt free in 2010 and have never looked back. I even helped my husband pay off all his debt. I am now our family's budgeter (word?) and we live a comfortable, but not out of our means (i.e. credit cards) lifestyle. Sure there's some days we still fight the urge to buy something on credit, but instead we wait and we save and we pay with cash.

Keeping in line with the coupon clipping and crock pot cooking, I have found another way to save money...by making my own Valentines chocolates!
When we were at Ikea last week I picked up a cute little heart mold for a quarter! I knew immediately that I wanted to try my hand again at making homemade chocolates, but this time with peanut butter!
These were so easy and actually kind of fun to make. I started by making my peanut butter filling. First was the peanut butter, followed by brown and powdered sugar and some vanilla. I mixed it together and rolled it into small peanut butter balls.
I took some shortening and milk chocolate chips and melted them in a small bowl. Then I took a small paint brush and used that to "paint" the chocolate up the side of the mold and on the bottom.
I put the mold in the freezer for a few minutes, then checked to see if I missed any spots. I filled in the spots and returned the mold to the freezer. Next was to push the peanut butter balls into the chocolate mold and then top with more melted chocolate.

Next I tapped the tray on the counter a few times to release any airs bubbles. Finally I froze them again for another ten minutes or so, popped them out of the mold and...Voila!


Ingredients:
(Recipe makes 36 chocolates)
1 Cup peanut butter
2 tsp butter, softened
3/4 Cup brown sugar
2/3 Cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2-2 Cups milk chocolate chips, divided
1-2 Tbsp shortening
1 small paint brush

Directions:
1. In a medium bowl mix together the peanut butter and butter until fully combined and there aren't any lumps. Add in the brown sugar, powdered sugar and vanilla. Roll all the peanut butter dough into about two teaspoons size balls. Set aside.

2. Melt 1/4 Cup milk chocolate chips and about two teaspoons of shortening in a small bowl. Using the small paint brush, paint up the sides of the mold with the chocolate until you can't see it anymore and all the walls are covered in a thin layer of chocolate. Freeze for about ten minutes.

3. Remove from the freezer and check to see if there is any molding visible. If there is, add melted chocolate to those areas and refreeze for a few minutes. Once the molding is completely coated, add in the peanut butter balls. Push them flat and make sure the peanut butter goes below the edge of the mold.

4. Melt about 1/2 Cup or less of chocolate chips and about 1/2 Tablespoon of shortening. I honestly eyeballed this part. The shortening just helps the chocolate be shinier so just make sure not to add too much. Using a spoon, pour the melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter and tap the mold on the counter several times to release air bubbles. Return to the freezer for about 15 minutes.

5. Remove the mold from the freezer and pop out the chocolates. If you have trouble, try running a knife along the edge to help loosen the chocolate.

Repeat steps 2-5 until you run out of peanut butter mix. I got 36 out of this recipe, but I also ate a ton of peanut butter dough along the way. :) Try not to eat them all at once! Enjoy!


I was able to make all 36 for under $4! I just saved my Hubby some money that he can use to buy me dinner on something else! Have you ever heard of Dave Ramsey? Here's his book if you're interested in learning more about being debt free.

The financial peace planner is also amazing!

One of his big sayings is "If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else!". Those words changed my life!

Here's a mold similar to the one I used, too.


Thanks for stopping by!

**I linked up to serenity now, weekend potluck, 504 main, simple living and eating, my turn for us, tidy mom, life in velvet, kitchen fun and crafty friday, the self sufficient homeacre, full plate thursday, 733 blog, buns in my oven, handy man crafty woman, cornerstone confessions, coastal charm, the scoop, between naps on the porch, by stephanie lynn, huckleberry love, diy home sweet home, the heart of your home

58 comments:

  1. Great post and thanks for the reminder of my days saying "Dave says"...;-)

    Let's exchange the word 'cheap', for "frugal". Afterall, we are trying to "live like no one else, so that later, we can LIVE like no one else"!

    I have that heart mold, and a hubby who loves the Reese's treats...so I'll be trying this soon!

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    1. ....aaaaand.... I just saw that at the end, beneath the link, you have quoted the exact same thing from Dave! Hooray for kindred spirits!!

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  2. My Valentine would love these! I've never thought of doing this, duh! Thanks for sharing! He'd thank you haha.

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  3. Love this idea! I've seen these molds at Target for really cheap too, I am so picking some up this week. Thanks for sharing!

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  4. how can i pin this?? I love these and want to make them asap! :)

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  5. You are so creative! These are amazing! I would love for you to share these with everyone at our Sewlicious Craft Party! I hope to see you there!

    Marti

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  6. Yum! I'm gluten free and can't wait ti try this! Just gotta find the heart molds:) Pinning and sharing)

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  7. These look so good! I'd love it if you'd share this at my link party going on now! http://accidentallywonderful.blogspot.com/2014/01/accidentally-wonderful-wednesday-2_21.html

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  8. When I lived in the south I would pass Kroger too. I am sure you and I could become best friends over coffee and couponing. Anyway your tutorial is perfect and I will be making these for my boys for Valentines.
    *Pinning
    Stephanie

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    1. I agree! Hope your boys enjoy! I look forward to stopping by your blog again soon!

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  9. Love this! I am going to make these for Valentine's Day. I know my boys would love them. Thanks for sharing!
    Carrie

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  10. How cute are these. Now I just have to find the heart shaped mold and I'm off and running.

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  11. Thanks so much for linking these up! I pinned them to the party boards! :)

    Marti

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  12. Looks amazing!!! Thanks for sharing...my hubby is the same way, and would have me do all of the things you mentioned...lol...A new follower that found you on the Titus 2 Hop (http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com) Please come on over & check out my blog :)

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    1. Rach I love your site! Following you and liked everything! We're starting to try to expand our family and I am heck-bent on homeschooling them. Since Hubby's mom is a professor and has her doctorate in education, I have a hard battle coming. But I'm stubborn and pretty much always get my way. :) Can't wait to read more on your blog!

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  13. Stopping by from the Clever Chicks Bog Hop! :)
    These look great! I have been wanting to try hearts or Easter eggs like these!

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  14. These look delicious and easy to make!!
    Now your newest follower

    Natasha @ Serenity You

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  15. OMG I wait every year for these Reese's to come out, but now you've enabled me to make them any time of the year! Haha oh man this is dangerous!! I love it, and it caught my eye at Craft Dictator's "Tasty Tuesday"--I had to stop by!

    I would love it if you stopped by our Facebook page, and said "hello!"
    https://www.facebook.com/OurMiniFamily

    Your fan,
    ~Cathy Mini
    ourminifamily.com

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    1. Hey Cathy! Stopped by and gave you some like love :) Hope you have a great week!

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  16. Those look so delicious!! I need to learn to be more "cheap"...how about budget friendly. It is a concept that still eludes me!! Now I need to go buy these cute heart shaped molds. ;)

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  17. Oh my! YUM!! Very cute!! I would love to have you hop over and share with us at Tell Me About It Tuesday! (http://www.sweetsillysara.com/2014/01/tell-me-about-it-tuesday-3.html)

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  18. I've taken the Dave Ramsey course and been a coordinator; he's right...it's his Grandma's way of finance. It used to be no one lived in debt, it was considered trashy; now, it's the norm. Unfortunately.
    These peanut butter hearts look amazing, can't wait to try my hand at your recipe.

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  19. First off, let me say that I love your post! I have been working on getting out of debt and I hope to debt free at the end of 2014! I am following very similar principles to Dave Ramsey and looking forward to the results!

    Also, the chocolate peanut butter hearts are to die for - absolutely scrumptious! (Can you tell I love chocolate??!!) I look forward to trying them out this year.

    Thanks so much for sharing on Turn It Up Tuesday! We love having you! :)

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    1. That's awesome Natasha! I wish you the best of luck! Let me know if you ever post about your journey. Hearing others debt-free stories is always so motivating and inspiring!

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  20. These chocolate peanut butter heart look great! I pinned them. Thanks for linking up to Wonderful Wednesday blog hop.
    Blessings,
    Diane Roark
    www.recipesforourdailybread.com

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  21. These look delicious! That mold is so cool. Thanks for linking to the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party. Hope to see you next time.

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  22. These look amazing. Thank you for sharing this recipe. I now know what I'm making my husband for Valentine' s Day!! I 'm pinning this and can't to make them.
    Kim ~ This Ole Mom

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  23. Yum!!! Thank you for linking up at Tasty Tuesdays! Your post has been pinned to my Recipes from Tasty Tuesday board. I can't wait to see what you link up next week!
    Have a terrific weekend!
    Cathy
    APeekIntoMyParadise.com
    #TastyTuesdays

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  24. Wait till piniterest gets a hold of this! This looks amazing. Thank you for sharing it on our Four Seasons Blog Hop. Pinning now.

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  25. I almost licked my screen....definitely saving this!

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  26. Oh my, that looks delicious! I love homemade sweets! I will be trying these for sure!

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  27. I just want to grab some of these if only I can do it thru my screen :)

    We have all post Valentine's party at Pursuit of Functional Home. We'd love for you to share all your Valentine's post and projects. 

    Below is the link. Hope to see you there.
    http://pursuitoffunctionalhome.com/2014/01/valentines-day-ideas.html

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  28. Thank you for bringing your chocolates to Family Fun Friday! They look delicious! I am pinning for later! Blessings!

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  29. Hi Elie! You totally had me at peanut butter and I love homemade candy! Thank you so much for joining us and sharing at Best of the Weekend. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the week ahead!

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  30. Stopping by from alittleclaireification link parrty! Love this. Looks so yummy.

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  31. Oh my goodness, these look amazing! Thanks for stopping by and linking these to the Thursday S.T.Y.L.E. Link Party!

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  32. Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts look amazing, just pinned! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend!
    Miz Helen

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  33. I have some heart shaped tins.. what a great idea for my peanut butter loving son. Thanks for bringing this to foodie friday.

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  34. Just wanted to let you know that your post was the most clicked at last week's In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party! I will be featuring it at the next party that starts on Monday! Love this candy and thanks so much for being a part of the party.
    Cynthia FeedingBig.com

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  35. Awesome idea. I am going to be hunting down some molds to make these for ValDay. =) Thanks ever so much for sharing at Weekend Potluck.

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  36. Hi, I found you from Whimsy Wednesdays via The NY Melrose Family. I love chocolate!! My husband is addicted to the peanut butter!! I can make this one so I may surprise him :-) In the meantime, I follow you via the GFC, Pinterest, and Facebook :-) You are so awesome!!

    I thought that I would invite you to the friendly giveaway: "Create-Your-Own" mug via my blog. Enjoy this :-)

    Joyce via http://www.livelaughlovepost.com

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    1. Thank you so much for all the love Joyce! Following you in all ways (but twitter :) and signed up for your adorable giveaway! Thanks for the invite, I can't wait to see what you do next

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  37. My 2 favorite things; chocolate and peanut butter...now this is a way to a girls heart..lol! Thanks for sharing at The Weekend Retreat, hope to see back on Thursday.

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  38. You make this look SO EASY! Delicious is already a given ;) I'm glad to follow you on Tasty Tuesdays!

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  39. Oh how I love chocolate! I want these now! Thanks for sharing on Worthwhile Wednesdays. Hope to see you again tomorrow at the link party!
    Thanks again,
    Allie @ http://thecraftiestallie.blogspot.com/

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  40. The chocolates look fantastic. We are huge Dave Ramsey fans. The only debt we have left is mortgage and one vehicle. Thanks for sharing with us at The HomeAcre Hop!

    Please join us again Thursday at:
    http://summers-acres.com

    ~Ann

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    1. I just wanted to stop by and let you know that your post will be featured at Thursday's The HomeAcre Hop. I will also tweet, facebook, and +1 your post. Please stop by and grab the featured button at:
      http://summers-acres.com

      Congrats!
      ~Ann

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  41. I love this! I made something like this a few years back and forgot the recipe. I pinned yours so I won't lose it!

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  42. Hi! I just wanted to let you know that I'm featuring your chocolate peanut butter hearts on my blog today!

    http://www.theboldabode.com/2014/02/24-decadently-delicious-chocolate-treats.html

    Thanks so much for linking up to Creativity Unleashed!

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    1. Hey Gwen! Thank you so much for featuring these. I love your site and the Creativity Unleashed party. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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  43. These look delish! Wanted to let you know I'm featuring them when my link party opens up tonight!

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    1. Thank you so much Carol! I linked up some more fun and partied around. Hope you have a great weekend!

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  44. Valentines always makes me want to buy specialty bakeware. These look delicious.
    Just a note to let you know I've included them in todays Valentines edition of Foodie Friday!

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  45. Adorable! Thanks for linking up with What's Cookin' Wednesday!

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  46. Featuring today on Tasty Tuesdays #48 at Red Cottage Chronicles! Nothing tastes better than homemade!! Also a follower of Dave Ramsey! Sadly, no access to his University in Canada :( Got the books and subscribe to his site though!

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  47. So very yummy! Im afraid I couldnt master the mold tho. I was only able to successfully remove 2 from the mold without breaking them. Better luck next time.

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