For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted a best friend.
In elementary school, I would hop from group to group, trying so desperately to latch onto a girl and coerce her into a friendship with me. I would invite her over to play Barbies or swim every chance I could, and I would pass her notes in class and split my Gushers with her. That is, until she probably thought I was a stalker-in-training and ditched me for someone cooler.. like the girl who claimed she knew Mary-Kate and Ashley (spoiler: she doesn’t. I know this now).
I had a lot of friend troubles as a kid because the groups I played with fought a ton over stupid crap like who-likes-who-more, and comparing everyone’s reading skill level. Or probably the weird fact that Lil Stalker Hayley resented one of her friends because her friend could afford the L’Oreal shampoo in the fish bottle and my mom wouldn’t buy it for me. Also on that note, when she did buy me the shampoo, I used it with high hopes that my hair would smell as magical as my friend’s did.. but it didn’t. My hair has like, the anti-scent. It never smells bad, but it never smells good. It just.. is. <and that is probably the most profound statement I’ll ever make about my hair.
Anywaaay, one day after some random fight about god-knows-what, my mom suggested I make new friends. Being a child, I didn’t really know what this entailed, so I did what any normal kid would have done: I began stalking random people on the playground until I found a potential friend.
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She had red hair and freckles and I noticed she was two grades younger than me. She wore cute clothes and seemed kinda shy, always lurking around the monkey bars. And just like a predator chooses its prey, I had my victim.
The next day, I decided to lay on my creepiness. Instead of walking up to this girl, casually engage in conversation or begin playing with her, I did what I thought was the most normal thing a kid who needed friends could do: I wrote her a letter. A letter. It basically went something like this:
Dear Crystal,
My mom says I need to make new friends and you seem really cool, so would you like to be my friend?
From, Hayley (the girl in the pink raincoat)
I walked my letter over, handed it to her, and raced back to a save spot where I could spy on her while she read it and inevitably realized that this friendship was kismet and we were bound to be BFFs. Instead, she walked back to me, handed me the letter and turned away. I opened it:
No.
So basically, the moral of the story is this: if your kid is complaining that the kids at school are lame, don’t pressure them to make new friends. Friendships form organically and spontaneously .. they aren’t something that’s forced like a blind date or a letter from a strange girl spying on you from the basketball court. And while there is a great possibility you’ll remain besties with your childhood friend for as long as you both shall live, likely you’ll just grow up and watch them make hideous choices and you can be like, thank god I didn’t write that whack-job a letter!
That’s essentially what I did. Because, not to brag or anything, but Crystal is totally gross now. I should know–I Facebook stalked her. And no, I didn’t friend her.. those days are looooong over.
Anyway, it’s pie time and I feel like eating my feelings today, don’t you?
My brownie bomb obsession has skyrocketed to new heights. Today, I stuffed a brownie with pie. And duuuude, thank god for this obsession.
- 1 pan fudge brownies, baked and cooled
- 12 miniature pies (I used frozen raspberry ones that I thawed, but really, any flavor would work!)
- 1 pkg Candiquik
- 2 tsp raspberry gelatin
- Raspberries
- If your pies are frozen, make sure you thaw them out. If they're ready, let's rock and roll!!
- Cut your brownies into about 1-2" squares. Take a brownie square and gently press it into the heel of your hand to flatten it. Wrap the brownie around one of the pies, trying to cover the pie completely. If some of the pie peeks out, no big deal--just cover it as much as possible.
- Once all the bombs are made, pop them in the freezer for about an hour to firm up. Once firmed, melt your Candiquik according to package directions. Stir in the raspberry gelatin to combine.
- Dip each bomb into the chocolate mixture, coating completely and allowing excess to drip off. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and top with a rinsed fresh raspberry. You could also top with a gummy raspberry if you have those on hand, too!
- Store leftovers airtight in the fridge or freezer 🙂
I loved the difference in flavor and texture these bombs had to offer. Between the chewy, fudgy brownie surrounding that flaky, crisp crust and the luscious, fresh berry center, these bombs were such a unique and decadent treat. I am SO excited to try this bomb recipe with different flavors of pies! I am dreaming of pecan, apple, and peach.. but really, the possibilities are limitless! Look for miniature pies in the bakery section of your local grocery store, or look in the frozen desserts section! I have found miniature pies/tarts both places in multiple flavors, so see what looks best once you’re there and go with it 🙂
Happy Eating!
xo, Hayley
Laura Ball says
Looks Wonderful!! The mini pies in the bakery section or frozen food section?? Do you have a brand name I could look for??
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Laura! I found the mini pies in both sections, and unfortunately, I can’t find the brand of the pies I used! I found it near the phyllo shells/other frozen desserts, though, and you will probably be able to find them at most stores! If you can’t find actual “mini” pies, try getting a frozen cheesecake or pie and taking chunks out of it with a cookie dough scoop instead 🙂
Jennifer @ Not Your Momma's Cookie says
Oh, this makes me so sad for little Hayley – kids can be so mean 🙁 I never had a lot of friends, but I’ve been blessed with a best friend that I’ve had since fourth grade – we have always been super close and she means so much to me 🙂 Ok, no more mushy stuff…
I love your brownie bombs, and this one does not disappoint! Raspberries are so yummy this time of year!
thedomesticrebel says
Awh, don’t feel sad for Lil Hayley! She’s making money off of a post in which she told a story about a meanie girl who didn’t wanna be her friend.. I didn’t make out so bad after all 🙂 and I’m glad you’re my friend!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
OMG I so relate! I always wanted a best friend and never really had one and I may have done my own little girl stalker thang. Stupid parents always tellin’ you to make new friends like it’s easy…harumph.
Also..omg I loved that Loreal fish shampoo stuff! I don’t think my mom always got it for me, but on occasion (maybe if it was on sale?) and it was like IT.
This is SUCH a cool idea Hayley! Little pies turned bombs!
thedomesticrebel says
YES. That shampoo was the shit! SO stoked when we could finally buy it!
sally @ sallys baking addiction says
I love love LOVE (love!!!!) raspberries and chocolate together Hayley. These are a dessert dream come true for me! I love how pretty they are inside. 🙂 And I agree – friendships happen without effort, but you have to make an effort to keep them! If that makes any sense. We’re dessert BFFs, just so ya know.
thedomesticrebel says
Yay! I am beyond honored to be your dessert BFF 🙂
Cathy Pollak ~ Noble Pig says
You are just the funniest girl ever…like ever. I want to be your Mom too, I think I’m old enough. I won’t make you, make friends. I’m just cracking up here and your desserts are just the bomb…always.
thedomesticrebel says
Awh Cathy. You can be my second mom 🙂 only if we can drink and get into hijinks together!
Cathy Pollak ~ Noble Pig says
You are just the funniest girl ever…like ever. I want to be your Mom too, I think I’m old enough. I won’t make you, make friends. I’m just cracking up here and your desserts are just the bomb…always.
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
Whoever said making friends when your young is easy was a big fat liar. But that aside, these bombs look amazing! I’m excited to see what flavor combo you come up with next.
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Your story is cute, but you have to admit the “no” response is pretty amazing in that kids are just brutally honest. Anyways, I want these brownie bombs, right now.
thedomesticrebel says
Totally! I would be like “no, unfortunately, so sorry, don’t hate me, but here’s why, but you’re really cool, and it’s not you, it’s me and blah blah.” I admire their directness!!
Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says
This story was FANTASTIC. Kids are so awkward. And honest. And kind of cute and cruel all at one time. I was MAJOR weird in school. It is what it is. And I betcha Crystal can’t bake. Not a pie-stuffed brownie bomb anyway. Also don’t share with her. She is rude.
Angela @ Shake Bake and Party says
I bet if you had brought a batch of these to school you would have had friends that you would never be able to get rid of! These look SO GOOD!!
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl says
Dear Hayley: will you be my bloggy BFF? Check yes or no.
I’m double-checking YES on these raspberry pie brownie bombs, BTW.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
Okay, I’m never telling Jordan that again. She tends to lean to the stalker side too. 🙂 I love all your brownie bombs! So creative!
Tonia@thegunnysack says
Awww…you are breaking my heart with your sad story but I totally agree about never trying to force friendships. Kids have gut feelings about things and they need to learn to trust those feelings! Love this recipe! Pinned!!
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
Okay so this is totally how I felt at BHF minus the note. Only I feel like I was the one asking you to be my friend. Thanks for saying yes 🙂
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
This obsession of yours keeps getting better and better! Love the combination of raspberry and chocolate!
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
This bombs are quickly becoming your signature dish! Love them and keep ’em coming!!
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper says
These are very cute and sound delicious!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
GIRL. You need to come out with a big book full of these amazing brownie bombs, like, stat! Another killer recipe. I love it!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
It’s not easy to make friends, even as a kid! I want to be your friend!!! Especially if it would mean I get yummy treats like this!!
Alyssa says
I feel your pain – I had friends growing up, but I don’t have any now and have no idea how to make them! My best friend is married and pregant so I never see her and the rest of my friends either moved away or became bitches. I need friends!! Good to know however, that I shouldn’t try writing letters… lol. At least I have my boyfriend’s friends.
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
This post makes me a little sad! Kids can be so mean! I’ll be your friend 🙂 p.s. I love your brownie obsession.
Sarah @ Miss Candiquik says
Favorite bomb yet! Pinned and shared!
p.s. that girl obviously didn’t know what she was missing.
p.p.s. you crack me up.
Heather @ French Press says
kids can be so mean, you are THE coolest person I know – and I LOVE when you stuff stuff in a brownie
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Love all your Brownie Bombs, girl…but, this one is right up my alley! Chocolate and raspberries together are truly divine. You are so very creative, Hayley! But, this story strikes a chord. Although I feel bad that you went thru those childhood struggles, I know it has made you who you are today…one cool chick. Thanks for sharing!
Liz says
Love the collection of brownie bombs you have going on! This flavor is a favorite of mine for sure! 🙂
Katie @ Dip It In Chocolate says
This made me laugh so hard. (Even though I’m sure it was super sad at the time)
Also these bombs look amaazing.
Vicki Winters says
You are too cute! Love the blog too! It’s really adorable and well done. Are you going to IFBC