Double Chocolate Cherry Brownie Cupcakes

This is something I came up with this weekend, and it was a success. These are incredibly fudgy! Easy to make since it starts with a boxed brownie mix.

1 family sized brownie mix

1/2 C. applesauce

4 tsp. cherry extract

1/2 C. mini chocolate chips

1 container chocolate frosting

Prepare brownie mix according to package directions substituting 1/2 cup applesauce for the oil, and adding cherry extract. Stir in mini chocolate chips. Line cupcake pan with paper liners and fill 2/3 full of batter. Bake at 325* for about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. Frost with chocolate frosting.

Ice Cream Torte

I read an idea for something similar to this in one of my magazines, and changed it quite a bit to come up with this result. This totally and completely busted my diet this week. I formed an instant love/hate relationship with it.

I started with a layer of brownies in a spring form pan, then alternated scoops of chocolate ice cream and cookies and cream ice cream. Then I sprinkled about a cup of mini chocolate chips and a cup of butter brickle chips. Next, I alternated scoops of the ice creams again, finishing up with the chocolate and butter brickle chips. Freeze overnight. Remove from freezer about 10 minutes before serving. Remove from spring form pan, slice and serve with chocolate syrup and whipped cream.

One hint if you try it, make sure to wrap the bottom of your spring form pan in foil to capture the ice cream that melts a bit while assembling it.