Red Velvet M&M Cake Mix Bars

::insert scream here:: isn't text scream something like ?!@!#$?!@@!! -- or maybe that is swearing. hahaha. I am definitely trying to scream and not swear. Anywhoo, I am so sorry that I have once more went MIA for bit. I was venting to the hubby how frustrated I get, that I cannot ever seem to blog regularly for a consistent amount of time, even when I have recipes to share. It is just plain annoying. He gave me some good feedback and pointed out that I just need to be honest with you all and myself.

(...tangent....doesn't this sound like a break up speech...hahah...where I am about to say. 'it's not you, really, it's me'...don't worry this is not where this is going)

And basically -- I just need to be open about that fact that at any random moment, even when I think I'll be free, graduate school will sweep in and take over my life. You know, people have always told me, "it'll be worth it." My response instead of "yea I know.."...is now "I will let you know about that." hahaha...The worst part?!? First year faculty have told me that it only gets worse?!?! WORSE!?!? Like whaaaaaaa? Not.Even. So what does that say about the future... :/ That is why not blogging is so annoying. Not only does that mean I have nothing to share with you all. But I stop doing one of the few things that help me de-stress, unwind and smile. Maybe, just maybe, one day I'll find a balance. But as of now, I'm failing. It's okay, not in a sad way, just in a...I am so sorry way :) Forgive me? Again?

So what have I been up to? Well....IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY last month. And if you remember, I love my birthday. It's like a national holiday for me. I go all out and pretty much get everything I want for my birthday. I know, that sounds absurdly spoiled. I cannot lie and say I am not. I am extremely blessed with my loving hubby, family and besties. And they understand just how much, for some odd reason, my birthday means to me. This year, the hubby and I went home to California for my birthday! :) It was so nice. I had such a fun an amazing time! I'll share bits of my trip in each post after this!

This is Day 1 of my Valentine's Countdown :) The countdown to love....hahaha! And what screams Valentine's Day like RED VELVET! Plus, M&Ms came out with a seasonal red velvet flavor and they are delicious! Addicting, really....So  I decided to make my M&M Cake mix bars, because my last one was such a big hit. And these were also definitely a hit. Took them to a party and they were all gone :) The hubby only got to try the edges and he was bummed that was all he got. This is as easy peasy to make as it gets! So if you are in a pinch and want an easy, go-to treat....this....is....it!

RED VELVET M&M CAKE MIX BARS

Cake mix bars from Inside a BruCru Life

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 325F Degrees 

1 box of Red Velvet Cake mix
1 egg
1 stick of butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
9.9 oz bag of Red Velvet M&Ms (or Valentine's M&Ms)*

*I only found the Red Velvet M&Ms at Wal-mart

DIRECTIONS

Line a 7 3/4 x 11 3/4 baking dish with aluminum foil. Grease aluminum foil with butter, shortening or cooking spray. This will help when removing bars from baking dish, allow for cooling, and easier, cleaner cutting into squares.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, sift in cake mix. Then stir in egg, butter and vanilla. Do not over mix. Remove from stand mixer and fold in half of the red velvet M&Ms.

Evenly press dough into baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms evenly onto the top of the batter and gently press in. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow to completely cool before cutting into bars.

Enjoy,
Chika