Laura Loves...Congo Squares

Sometimes I want the taste of a cookie, but the texture of a brownie. Enter Congo Squares! I just LOVE this recipe!

My cousin introduced me to this recipe and it's become a favorite at our house. You can mix it up by substituting different flavored chips instead of just chocolate, you can add frosting and toppings for a celebration, or you can serve it warm with some ice cream. Divine!

These also freeze well, which I love! I can satisfy my sweet tooth craving and then stash the rest in the freezer for another day. Or make this dessert ahead of time for an event or busy weekend.

One tip...remove them from the oven just before they look completely done. Just like a brownie, they are better just a little bit undercooked as they cool. Otherwise they can come out a little on the dry side.

I hope you LOVE these Congo Squares as much as I do!

Laura Loves...Fran's Chocolate

So this week I'm showing a little love to my favorite chocolate shop, because one needs more than just needlepoint to be happy. I love Fran's Chocolates! I mean I really, really, REALLY love Fran's Chocolates...perhaps even obsessed!

Fran's does the best Salted Caramel Chocolates that I have ever had. Ever. They offer these delicious treats in both milk chocolate and dark chocolate, a little something for everyone. I've tried other brands and nothing compares to Fran's. They also make amazing truffles, their Espresso Truffle is what dreams are made of!

Fran's is located in Seattle, WA where they have a few store fronts. Of course you can also purchase their delicious treats online. The staff at Fran's (and don't they have the best job on earth?) is wonderful and accommodating. I recently hosted a party and contacted Fran's to do the party favors. They did a beautiful job of presenting their fine chocolate in a lovely white box with a purple ribbon to match the party colors.

Check them out and just try to hold back, I bet you can't eat just one!