Mosaic Monday ~Violas Plus Brownie & Bun Fun

Saturday I went to a Plant Swap and had a lot of fun. It's just what it sounds like...people bring their extra and divided plants and a big trade ensues. Sometimes people want nothing in exchange and sometimes people have nothing to share, but in the end it all works out and typically there is a potluck to top it all off. It did rain during much of the swap so I didn't take the camera out but I thought I'd share the goodie that I brought. I call them Heavenly Hash Brownies...but you could call them Mississippi Mud cake or Marshmallow brownies



I got the recipe via my good friend Barb at Foley's Follies who was inspired by southern celeb cook Paula Deen. I took a cue from Barb and used my favorite boxed brownie mix...


Heavenly Hash Brownies

Cook brownies as directed in a 13x9 pan then sprinkle top with a bag of miniature marshmallows. Cover with the following chocolate topping - which in my opinion is TO DIE FOR.

1 stick butter
3 Tablespoons cocoa
6 Tablespoons milk

Once it boils and is well mixed remove from heat and add:
1 lb of powdered sugar (about 3 3/4 cup)
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts (I used pecans)

Stir to mix well and then pour and spread over marshmallows. If needed add a little bit more milk to make easier to spread. Cool before serving to give the chocolate a chance to set up.

Here are some of the plants I've gotten at previous trades that are now happy in my garden

On my way home from the trade I stopped at a nearby nursery that one of the ladies who hosted the trade works at. Not necessarily a good idea when your trunk is already loaded lol, but there were some beautiful plants that I couldn't resist. Here is a little mosaic of some violas I got.



And this cute little lewisia


There was more...lots more, but I'll save that for a later post.

Today I planted a bunch of those purchases and plant trade acquisitions, but still had time for making dinner. These buns at Thibault's Table had me inspired to try homemade buns again (my previous attempts have been less than stellar), so I washed up my hands from planting and kneaded some dough and turned out some pretty cute little buns if I do say so myself.


Homemade buns begat homemade burgers


And we were some happy campers. The buns were substantial but not heavy. Just right to hold up to a burger and all the fixings. Here is the recipe.

Homemade Hot Dog or Hamburger Buns
Original Source: All That Splatters via Thibault's Table
1 cup milk

1/2 cup water
1 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 egg, room temperature
4 1/2 cups flour
(unbleached, whole wheat, or a mix)
1 package instant yeast (2-1/4 teaspoons)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Heat the milk, water, honey and butter until
butter is melted.
Check temperature. Depending on the temperature, let cool to 120F. Carefully beat in egg.

Mix 2 cups of the flour, yeast, and salt.
Mix into the milk mixture. Stir in the rest of the flour,
1/2 cup at a time. Beat well after each addition.

When the dough pulls together, (it will form a soft ball) turn it out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. This should take about 5 minutes.

Divide dough into 12 -16 equal pieces. This will depend on the size you want for the finished bun. Shape into smooth balls, flatten slightly, and place on a silpat (or Parchment) covered baking sheet.

Let rise for 30 to 35 minutes. When buns have almost doubled bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.

If you are making hot dog buns I find it easiest to roll the dough out into a large rectangle and cut into smaller rectangles. Let rise with sides touching.

You can brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, coarse sea salt, or whatever you like. You can add dry onion soup mix for onion rolls. These are very versatile!

Hope everyone has a beautiful week! Go check out the other mosaics at Little Red House!