TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK CARAMEL BROWNIES

Well, it's teacher appreciation week and boy, do I appreciate teachers!!!  I am a sometimes substitute and I almost majored in Elementary Education (until I realized how little patience I have).  I do love subbing, but I could NOT do it on a daily basis.  Not only are my kids teachers just plain awesome teachers, but they genuinely care about my kids.  It means a lot to find someone who loves your kids, especially when your kids have "issues" like mine. 

Anyway, in appreciation for my kids' teachers, I am making Caramel Brownies.  I am Baptist and Southern so that's how we show love....we feed you! 

So, on to the WORLD'S BEST CARAMEL BROWNIES.  My mom has been making these for as long as I can remember.  She used to make them to take camping with us.  I have so many memories of sneaking in to that 9 x 13 pan while she was out grilling dinner.  These brownies have spoiled many a supper.  YUM! 

CARAMEL BROWNIES

1 German Chocolate Cake Mix (Duncan Hines)
3/4 cup salted butter, NOT margerine - melted
1 cup Evaporated Milk, separated
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
Kraft Caramel Bits OR 14 oz. caramels from the candy aisle, unwrapped
1 c. chopped pecans (optional)

Kraft Caramel Bits found near chocolate chips in the baking aisle.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix cake mix, 3/4 c. pet milk, and 3/4 cup melted butter.  Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.  Spread 1/3 of cake mixture in the bottom of the pan.  Bake for 6-7 minutes.  In a saucepan, mix 1/4 c. pet milk and caramel candy (if using Bits of Caramel, reduce milk to 3 TBSP) and melt on low heat.  When you take the brownies out of the oven, dump the chocolate chips on top evenly.  Immediately pour the melted caramel on top of the chocolate chips and spread evenly. 

Spread the remaining brownie/cake mixture on top of the caramel.  This can be really tricky.  I've found it's easiest to drop lots of little teaspoonfuls all over and spread into eachother.  The caramel tends to make it hard to spread. 

When it's evenly spread, bake for 20-25 minutes.  Brownies will be gooey and wonderful and yummy and rich. 

**I guess you add the pecans in with the brownie mix.  I, personally, NEVER put nuts in anything chocolate because it cuts the richness of the chocolate.  I want all the sweet chocolatey goodness to shine through, but that's just me.**

Enjoy with a big ole glass of milk.   WARNING:  these brownies are super rich.  You must have plenty of milk for full enjoyment!  They are soooo addictive that I have nicknamed them Caramel "Crack" Brownies. 

One more thing, look at what's left in the saucepan:

YUM!  Go ahead.  I won't tell if you lick the spoon, or the whole pan for that matter.  Nobody will know!!  Shhh!  It'll be our little secret! 

I'm linking up to:  Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tuesdays at the Table and