Courtesy of Barb Guiden & Paulanne Peters

TIRAMISU BROWNIES INGREDIENTS • 6 oz dark chocolate, chopped • ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes • 3 large eggs

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper that extends an inch over each side. Set aside. 2. Melt together the chocolate and butter. Use a heat proof bowl and melt mixture in the microwave at half power, stirring every minute. 3. In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs and 1 cup sugar until pale and frothy. Whisking slowly, pour melted chocolate mixture into the eggs and sugar. Stir until combined. Sprinkle in flour and stir together until smooth. 4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When ready, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out moist, top will be thin with a few cracks. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. Prepare the other ingredients.

5. Combine the espresso or coffee with ½ cup sugar. Dip the ladyfingers into the coffee soak then arrange them into a single layer on top of the cooled brownies. Trim the ladyfingers as needed. 6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone, heavy cream, and remaining ½ cup sugar. Using an electric whisk, whip the mixture together until it thickens and holds medium peaks. Add the vanilla and whisk to combine. 7. Spread mixture over the top of the ladyfingers with a spatula, or use a piping bag to pipe dollops over a thin layer of cream. Chill brownies in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. 8. Dust the top with cocoa powder before serving.

• 2 cups sugar, divided • ½ cup all-purpose flour • 12 to 15 ladyfingers

• 1 cup espresso or strong coffee • 1 cup mascarpone, softened • 2 cups heavy cream • 2 tsp vanilla extract • Cocoa powder, for dusting

TANKLESS WATER HEATER Also known as on-demand hot water, a tankless water heater can provide relatively instant hot water that won't run out as long as you need it. They work by heating cold water as it runs through the unit with either an electric element or a gas burner. Therefore, as long as your hot water tap is on, the water will come out heated so you don't have to worry about running out of water mid-shower, for example.

Water is also not stored in the tank so it's smaller than a traditional hot water tank and some homeowners opt to install more than one tank in their home depending on their needs. While the water is always hot, if too much is being demanded at once, the flow rate can be lower, so having multiple tanks could be useful.

A bit more of an initial investment, over the average lifespan of 15 years, the lower cost of energy bills can add up to make it worth it.

SOME OLD-FASHIONED THINGS LIKE FRESH AIR AND SUNSHINE ARE HARD TO BEAT.

Laura Ingalls Wilder is known for writing the Little House on the Prairie series which was based off her life as a settler and pioneer in Wisconsin. Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867 – 1957)

- Laura Ingalls Wilder