Brownie Mix

For a stressed-out mum or as part of a hamper, this gift is a nifty idea. You mix all the dry ingredients, pop them in a jar, attach cooking instructions and let the happy receiver do the rest - they'll love it!

Brownie Mix (dry ingredients)

1/3 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/3 cup coconut
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 1/2 cups flour

Brownie Mix (wet ingredients)

2 eggs
2/3 cup of vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla

Layer the dry ingredients in order listed in a large jar, packing well between layers.
Tightly lid the jar and store in cool, dry place. Can be stored for up to 6 months.

To make brownies:
Mix eggs, oil, and vanilla.
Add brownie mix and mix well.
Spread in greased 8x8 pan.
Bake at 350* for 30 minutes.

* Recipe #26218 at www.recipezaar.com

Choco fudge crinkle cookies

Running short on time? These cookies for cheats are unbelievably good, and take just minutes to make!

Ingredients:
1 box devil's food cake mix (Betty Crocker's one is great!)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
Confectioners' sugar

To make:
Preheat oven to 350°.
Stir (by hand) dry cake mix, oil and eggs in a large bowl until a dough forms.
Dust hands with confectioners' sugar and shape dough into 1" balls.
Roll balls in confectioners' sugar and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the centre is JUST SET.

Remove from pans after a minute or so and cool on wire racks.

Additionally, you can try using a vanilla cake recipe and rolling the cookies in dessicated coconut, you could also try a strawberry cake mix, or a yellow cake mix with chopped pecans and a couple of drops of almond essence. NB: Watch the cookies carefully - if you overcook them they will go very hard and dry.

* Recipe # 32614 at www.recipezaar.com