Bribe-the-Teacher Brownies
AKA Nutty Coconut Caramel Brownies.
The kids went back to school this Tuesday. With a sigh of relief and a sniff of remorse, I watched them walk timidly into their classrooms.
My daughter is in third grade and my little guy is in first grade this year. Thus far we’ve had wonderful teachers, but I have to admit, it’s nerve-racking placing my “legacy” in the care of someone else for nine months of the year.
Will the teachers create a safe haven for them everyday, free of shame, ridicule, and fear?
Will they make their lessons come alive and encourage their love for learning?
Will they be patient with them when they struggle with a concept?
Will they be an advocate against bullies on the playground?
Will they provide discipline, yet celebrate creativity?
If an “accident” occurs, will the teacher offer the Emergency Pants without a smirk?
When they are naughty, will the teachers correct them firmly, yet with tenderness?
Will they appreciate their weird sense(s) of humor?
…I think yes. I have a really good feeling about this year.
But just to be sure, I secretly plan to bribe those teachers. No mother is above bribing people on behalf of her babies.
Trust me, if anything could do it, it’s these Nutty Coconut Caramel Brownies. Rich, dense and fudgy brownies with a creamy dulce de leche caramel top and crispy coconut, toasted almonds, and chocolate chunks.
Those teachers will be putty in my hands. *wink*
You can find dulce de leche (thick creamy caramel) in the packaged milk section of the baking aisle, or sometimes in the “international” section. If you can’t find it, it’s easy to make using sweetened condensed milk. Simply remove the paper wrappers, submerge the cans in a large pot of water and simmer for 4 hours. It MUST stay under water the entire time; add water if needed. This takes a while, so boil several at once and place them in the pantry for future baking endeavors.
Nutty Coconut Caramel Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 12 ounces dark chocolate chunks divided
- 2 cans dulce de leche Nestle (14-ounce cans)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Set the oven racks in the center and upper positions. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Melt the butter in the microwave, then add the sugar and mix well.
- Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Then whisk in one egg at a time, until well combined.
- Measure out 1/2 cup chocolate chunks and reserve for later. Mix in the rest of the chocolate chunks and pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake on the center rack for approximately 20-25 minutes—until the center is set. Take the brownies out of the oven and reset the temperature to 400 degrees F.
- GENTLY spread the dulce de leche evenly over the top, being careful not to disturb the brownie crust. Sprinkle the coconut, almonds and remaining chocolate chunks over the top and press a little.
- Place on the top rack of the oven to toast the coconut and almonds for 2-5 minutes—Watch it so the coconut doesn’t burn.
- Cool completely, so the caramel sets. Cut and serve.
What a buzzworthy post. I think the brownies will go over very well. Aside from the recipe I love the sentiment behind the post
Oh wow! I’m sure they taste even better than they look and they look absolutely fantastic!!!!
Bribe the teacher? Oh, you’re too funny. But looking at those gorgeous brownies, I think it just may work!
Your children are beautiful! They look so happy – I remember the days :) Just found out I’m going to be a grandmother! My 23 year old daughter is expecting her first – so here it goes again! Back to the beginning with toys, preschool, school events and sports – can’t wait! I’ll have to remember these to bribe teachers and coaches when the time is right. Hope they have a blessed school year and fantastic teachers.
Your pictures just POP! Great recipe too :)
And…saw your blog recommended in cyber world by a couple other bloggers this week, just thought you’d want to know. Keep up the great work!
Those look wonderful! Since I homeschool I’m wondering if I leave the recipe on the counter maybe my kids would bribe me! ;)
These look so delicious. You could bribe anyone with them!
oh, wow, what a scrumptious looking brownie! thanks, Spicy!
almost forgot…thanks for sharing the pic of your legacy–they look too cute in their uniforms, just adorable!!
Your kids (who are adorable, by the way) have the luckiest teachers in the world! I would be easily bribed by these gorgeous brownies. All of those same fears run through my head, too. Our children are so precious and it takes a leap of faith to put them in their teachers’ hands.
sweet sweet putty in your hands, lol
who could resist?
wowza – these look incredible! and i’ve heard of making dulce de leche like that, but have never tried it.
Sneaky! I love it :) It will totally work too. These brownies sound incredible! Buzzed
By the way…I also have emergency pants :)
Oh, heck with bribing the teachers (though that’s a wonderful idea I will definitely keep in mind hehe). I want someone to make these for ME! Sigh… I forgot… I’m the only one in the house that cooks. SO I’ll make these for me and not share :-D
These are the ultimate bribe for teachers, but feel free to bribe me with them too :) Your kids are adorable!
Why didn’t I think to bribe the teacher! My son is in 1st grade this year, he just started Wed. So exciting, yes so sad all at the same time!
Ha ha.. I’m gonna prepare this wonderful stuff for my kid’s teacher and pals. Nice kids you’ve got in the photo.
How about you switch schools & I can teach your kids. Beautiful pictures, and I am sure that your kids’ teachers will have their back and they will have a great year – wonderful parents like you help your kids to succeed!!
Love this – I always have coconut on hand and this looks like a very yummy way to use it!