I talk so much about removing the sugar from our diet that you may be wondering why in the heck I'd be sharing ideas that are definitely sugar-loaded. Well, once in awhile we just want a dessert. And when I find something that's not only out-of-this-world good, but easy too, well, I just feel compelled to tell you about it. Remember the bottom line: "Moderation in all things... including moderation!"

So to the point: What could be quicker or easier than whipping up a batch of brownies from a mix? While I'm a died-in-the-wool advocate of from-scratch baked goods, sometimes a mix is the best approach if I'm running out of time.

If I do use a brownie mix, though, I substitute melted butter for the recommended oil, and add an extra tablespoon of Dutch or Belgian cocoa powder as well as a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These little touches are quick to do and minimize, if not cover up, that "I'm-a-box-mix-brownie after-taste."

Now here's the real point of this article: Our good friend over at PreparedPantry.com, Dennis Weaver, has come up with 5 fantastic desserts to make with a brownie mix. I love this guy! He's my go-to pro when I want clever ideas or need answers to baking issues. If you haven't visited PreparedPantry.com, you might want to. Dennis sells one of the best brownie mixes I've ever tasted, along with superb flavorings, prepared sauces, and neat kitchen tools.

Now with his permission, are Dennis' delicious creations:

Brownies with Strawberries and Whipped Cream. Pile thinly sliced strawberries on your brownie. Cover it with whipped cream. And maybe garnish with a little chocolate sauce, as pictured.

Brownies a la mode with Warm Caramel Sauce. Load a brownie with a scoop of ice cream. Drizzle it with warm caramel. This is a close cousin a dessert you can get in some restaurants... Turtle something.

Brownies with Chubby Cherry and Chocolate Sauce. This is without doubt one of my very favorites. I cannot get enough of Dennis' Chubby Cherry topping! Anyway, while cherry pie filling will work, I'd get Dennis' Chubby Cherry for sure, then load my brownie with it and drizzle it all with chocolate dessert sauce and top with whipped cream. Oh my.

Brownies with Bananas and Caramel. Put sliced bananas on top of a brownie. Drizzle it with warm caramel. Top it with caramel-flavored whipped cream.

Brownies with Raspberries, Raspberry Sauce, and Amaretto Whipped Cream. Whether you use Dennis' Raspberry Designer Dessert Sauce, or make your own raspberry sauce, this dessert is divine. Pour your sauce of the brownie, add some fresh raspberries for taste and garnish and top it all with amaretto whipped cream. (To make amaretto whipped cream, substitute almond flavoring for vanilla when whipping.)