Mississippi is one of the few states I haven't visited, but I sure do love their mud. When it comes to desserts, anything that includes it is usually delish. These Mississippi Mud Brownies are no exception.

From Simply Scratch, they are pretty much the best brownies you'll ever eat. From the crunch of pecans to the sweet chocolate frosting and marshmallows, every bite is a pure delight. Brownies from a box just won't do after you've tasted these. The only way to improve upon this recipe -- add a little ice cream on top.

I'm unabashed when it comes to my love for the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. Truly, I am yet to meet two flavors that go together so exquisitely. So, every time I find a recipe that calls for both, count me in. Especially when said recipe also involves cake.

This week, I bring to you Chocolate and Peanut Butter Layer Cake. It's easy to throw together; there isn't a soul on the planet who doesn't like the taste of these two decadent ingredients; and each bite is like a mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cup bursting in your mouth. It's a beautiful thing.

I think we can all agree that s'mores rock. As long as your marshmallow doesn't fall in the open fire while you're toasting it, you can't go wrong with these delicious, gooey treats. But they can be even better.

I'm talking the best s'mores concoction you've ever had -- a giant s'mores cake. I know it sounds too good to be true, but Erica over at Sweet Tooth created this amazing recipe, and for that we should all be grateful. It's impressive, adorable, delicious, and will disappear before you know it. Best of all -- there's no risk of dropping your marshmallows in the fire.

Happy Mardi Gras! We love the big king cake, with its purple, green, and gold sparkles and hide-and-seek little baby. But these little mini king cupcakes are just too adorable, aren't they?  

This recipe is from the bayou -- literally! It's by David Guas of Bayou Bakery in Arlington, Virginia. And like full-sized king cake, they're soft, sweet yeast breads. We think they'd be perfect for a Fat Tuesday party or a Mardi Gras brunch.

Can't make it to Mardi Gras this year? Unfortunately, I can't either. However, there is one thing I can do to celebrate Fat Tuesday in traditional New Orleans style: Bake a King Cake! (And that's pretty much the only thing, because trying to carry out most Mardi Gras customs anywhere outside of The Big Easy would probably get me arrested.)

You can replace debauchery with dessert, too! Even though King Cakes look incredibly elaborate, they're actually pretty straightforward (if labor-intensive). But first, better brush up on your King Cake trivia!

Q: Why are they decorated with purple, green, and gold?

A: Purple, green, and gold are the colors of Mardi Gras, representing justice, faith, and power, respectively.

Q: Why is a token or plastic baby baked into the cake?

A: Usually representing the baby Jesus, whoever gets the slice with the token baked inside is responsible for bringing next year's King Cake.

Okay, ready to get started? Laissez le bon temps roulez!

I don't mean to brag, but I just got back from Florida where it was in the 70s, and my boyfriend and I could sit at a bar by the pool, drinking mojitos and citrusy beers. Now we totally aspire to be like senior citizen snowbirds every winter. But in the meantime, we're back up north where it's rainy and cold, and spring seems so ... far ... away. Ick.

One way to cope: Baking up something that will take us back to that poolside bar. Like, how 'bout pineapple-upside down muffins?! I'm sure you'd agree that getting just a taste of a tropical vacation would be a welcome reprieve from winter weather, eh?

Thanks to the cupcake revolution in recent years, there are plenty of tasty cupcakes out there to choose from. But these Butterfinger cupcakes deserve a category of their own. Maybe one titled -- mostly insanely delicious treats you will ever ingest. They're that good.

The recipe is from Steph at Plain Chicken. She re-created the recipe after tasting something similar at Disney World. They are simply amazing. Filled with fudge, topped with frosting, then dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with candy crumbs, they will not disappoint. Just look at that picture, and tell me you can't wait to whip up a batch yourself. They're a sweet ending to a Valentine's Day meal, or any meal, anytime.

Know how I know someone loves me? They tell me so. Know how else? They hand- feed me chocolate molten lava cake while the hired in-house masseuse goes to town on my upper back. I'm sure you agree that the moist, fudge-filled little mini-cakes are the best thing in the world, so show someone you love them this Valentine's Day by whipping up this fantastic recipe. Best part? It's way easier than you think it is. Seriously. From start to eat, it'll take you less than 30 minutes. Masseuse not included.