Setting the Scene for Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day upon us, excitement fills the air. This year, my family has the joy of preparing a lovely meal for the missionaries on the 14th. Naturally, we plan to avoid displaying too much affection in front of them — after all, that would definitely lead to some awkward moments! Instead, we’re opting for our traditional pre-Valentine’s dinner out tonight, on the 13th. I’ve chosen one of the best spots in downtown Salt Lake City — The Red Iguana. Following our meal, we plan to pop over to the Cheesecake Factory to select a delightful cheesecake to take home and savor after our Mexican feast.

As for gifts, we no longer exchange store-bought items, as those can quickly add up financially. Instead, we focus on heartfelt tokens like sentimental love notes. Of course, my husband Ryan always manages to sneak in a bouquet of flowers. I can’t resist a thoughtful floral surprise! No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure to treat yourself and enjoy the moments that matter.

The Essential Ingredient: Rich, Luxurious Chocolate

For me, Valentine’s Day evokes thoughts of luxurious chocolate. It simply pairs beautifully with the occasion. To celebrate the day, we’ll be sharing some delicious treats with the missionaries, including our star dessert: Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Brownies. These brownies are super easy to make (I even took a shortcut with the brownie mix), making them the ideal treat for any Valentine’s Day gathering, whether big or small.

Just look at those brownies! They’re so rich and inviting, they make me want to grab a glass of milk immediately. The gooey chocolate and creamy peanut butter combination is a match made in dessert heaven.

Embracing Simplicity with Store-bought Ingredients

Now, I can already hear the groans of some seasoned bakers when they see me suggesting a store-bought brownie mix. But hear me out — this choice is all about maintaining sanity in the kitchen!

I made these brownies for two of our favorite babysitters, who have graciously helped us out with our energetic child on the weekends. Time was of the essence, and using a brownie mix cut down the preparation time significantly compared to making them from scratch. If you have an exceptional homemade brownie recipe, feel free to use it! However, let’s be honest: sometimes, nothing can beat the decadent quality of a Ghirardelli brownie mix. Not only is it easy, but it also yields perfect results every time, especially when topped with scrumptious treats.

Creating the Perfect Brownie Treat

To make these brownies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, and the process is incredibly straightforward:

Ingredients

• 1 box Ghirardelli fudgy brownie mix (don’t judge; it’s just easier) plus additional ingredients listed on the package
• 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, sliced in half

Method

1. Prepare and bake the brownies according to the package instructions in an 8×8-inch glass dish.
2. In a microwave-safe dish, melt the peanut butter for 45 seconds, or until completely melted.
3. Once the brownies are fresh out of the oven, pour the melted peanut butter over the top to allow it to cover the surface evenly. Scatter chocolate chips on top and let them sit for about 30 seconds to soften.
4. Using a spatula, gently swirl the softened chocolate chips into a marbled pattern across the brownies. Finally, sprinkle the halved mini peanut butter cups on top. Allow everything to cool completely in the fridge for at least one hour to let it set.
5. To serve, slice the brownies with a warm knife and pair them with a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate indulgence.

These brownies not only taste heavenly but also offer a rich experience that will surely impress anyone you serve them to, especially on Valentine’s Day.