I can still remember my mom quoting her father as saying: “The day you stop learning is the day you die.” Actually, I don’t think you even stop then.

The truth of these words hit me again today as I prepared to bake with our ladies. (Therapeutic baking with our residents has become a bit of a hobby for me.)

This morning, I found a bag of chocolate truffles in the employee break room. Delicious as they were, I noticed that they were also getting a bit soft. By the end of the night, what was left might end up in the garbage.

I also remembered noticing recently that there was an unopened bag of marshmallows in the activity room kitchen cabinet. These, too, could stand to get used before they had to be tossed. (They were probably left over from some special activity.)

Although I hadn’t been planning on “baking with my ladies” this weekend, the above-mentioned ingredients compelled me to do so.

What could I make with chocolate and marshmallows? Some sort of bar? Well, how about marshmallow brownies? There’s got to be such a thing out there.

Thanks to Google, I found multiple recipes for this desired dessert. I also discussed the matter with one of my co-workers who shared her experiences. After comparing a few recipes that best matched my needs, I jotted down a list of ingredients and instructions.

I have not often made brownies from scratch, not to mention marshmallow ones, but “you’re never too old to learn,” right?

I wasn’t sure how it would all “pan out,” but followed directions and had the help of three willing ladies who enjoyed mixing, pouring, and spreading our fudgey concoction. (One lady cut up thee truffles and stirred them as I had them melting in a saucepan on the stove before the main baking event.)

We topped the pan off with a bag of Heath bits that I also had on hand.

I don’t know if I’ll ever have occasion again to make marshmallow truffle brownies, but it certainly was an interesting learning experience and one that made the day a brighter one for our residents.

I thank God for all the gifts he gives, sometimes evident even in leftovers. He lets us share the joy of being creative and learning new things!