Mini Turtle Brownies

My kiddo is sick. Runny nose, congested, teething, not sleeping, the whole shebang. Bedtime last night was nothing short of brutal. Eventually we ended up driving around for 30 minutes trying to get the monkey to fall asleep. He did. Then, back at home he was screaming bloody murder the minute we tried to get him back to bed. Lesson learned (next time he's sleeping in the car seat all night).

I refuse to let exhaustion set in. Turkey Day is TOMORROW! There is a house to clean, folks to pick up from the air port, and food to be made. With an ill child and little time on my hands a quick dessert fix is in order. A lil' somthin' somethin' to get me through today and keep my focus on the awesomeness that tomorrow will bring.

If you're in charge of Thanksgiving Day dessert and procrastinated (not that you would ever do that), or you want a little variety from the pumpkin and pecan pies, these little bite sized bits would be the perfect ending to any feast. Or, in my case, the fuel to keep on keepin' on.

Mini Turtle Brownies

1 box brownie mix (or use a homemade brownie batter if you have one)

1 jar caramel topping (NOT caramel sauce)

1 bag halved pecans

Spray mini muffin tins well with non-stick baking spray.
Mix brownie mix according to box directions.
Fill mini muffin tins with brownie mix, approximately 3/4 full.
Bake according to box directions (I baked mine for about 12 minutes). Immediately remove from oven, spray the bottom of a shot glass with non-stick spray and press down in the center of each brownie. Be sure to respray the bottom of the glass ever other brownie, or the glass will stick to the brownie and leave you with a mess.
The shot glass should leave a nice divot.
After the brownies have cooled a bit, fill each with caramel topping.
Add a pecan half.
Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the caramel topping to stiffen up.
Store in the fridge.

Sweet tooth indulged, and all is well in the world - or at least until the next wave of runny nose and unhappy temper flares up (...in 3, 2, 1... cue crying baby). Or, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your ever impressed friends and family who love the new poppable dessert that you've cleverly crafted.

Enjoy!

Source: Iowa Girl Eats