Thursday, February 17, 2011

Death by Peanut Butter and Chocolate Trifle!

 Come a little closer, don't be shy...

My sister-n-law Lora and I have a major thing for chocolate--maybe this is why we get along so well!  She sent me Incredible Chocolate Recipes cookbook from Southern Living for my bday a few years ago and wasn't kidding when she said I would die for this PB Trifle.  All her kiddos request it on their birthdays.  It's such a decadent, yummy, rich, gorgeous, heavenly dessert, I guarantee you'll be the hit at any potluck or party.  I was so glad I made it when we had some friends over, they happily took the leftovers home because if they hadn't, I'm sure it would've been the death of me!  

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Trifle

1 box fudge, brownie mix
2 cups whipping cream, divided
1 (11 ounce) package nestle toll house peanut butter and milk chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups peanut butter, nestle treasures chopped (I used Dove Peanut Butter)
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (11 ounce) package nestle toll house peanut butter and milk chocolate chips (optional)

1. Prepare and bake brownie mix according to package directions; cool. Cut into small 2-inch squares.

2. Cook 2/3 cup whipping cream and 1 2/3 cups morsels in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until blended; remove from heat, and stir in vanilla. Chill 30 minutes.

3. Beat remaining 1 1/3 cups whipping cream at high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Stir one-third of whipped cream into chocolate mixture. Fold in remaining whipped cream.

4. Layer half of brownies in bottom of a 3 1/2-quart trifle dish or bowl; top with half of chocolate mixture, half of chopped peanut butter treasures, and half of whipped topping. Repeat procedure with remaining brownies, chocolate mixture, chopped peanut butter treasures, and whipped topping.

5. This step is optional (I was too lazy to do it).  Sprinkle 1 2/3 cups morsels in an even layer on a parchment or wax paper-lined baking pan. Bake at 200° for 2 minutes or until morsels are evenly melted; chill 1 hour or until firm. Break into large pieces. Garnish top of trifle with peanut butter-chocolate pieces.