Day of Silence

On Tuesday, December 18th, there will be a blogger day of silence. 

 We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services. Here is the official description of the support service we are donating to: 

"Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING."

Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation.

 We can't imagine how they must be feeling, especially this close to the holidays. We would love for you to spread the word on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let's make a difference and use blogging in a positive way. Thank you in advance for participating.
 Love,
The Blog World 

p.s. If you would like to, copy-paste and repost any part of this, please do. Share on.

Yes…...That is What You Think!!!

And…..I did go THERE!!!!

I guess I should first admit…..Yes, I actually did eat this recipe between graham crackers and a chocolate bar…..wouldn't you??? While my coworkers probably wish I bring them to work tomorrow this way..they will be disappointed…but I think the brownie will make up for it. 

So several months I was lucky enough to make it to a Girl's Night Out! One of my neighbors brought these S'More Brownies…..I never would have thought to put these together but after the first bite I was in heaven. I have been wanting to recreate them ever since that day. 

Let me just say……the next time you make brownies….top them with graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows and throw under the broiler for a few seconds….you wont be disappointed! 

Enjoy your day….I am off to finish my S'More!!!!

Chocolate Brownies

From Epicurious.com

3 Sticks Unsalted Butter, cut into pieces

12 oz Bittersweet Chocolate, chopped

6 Eggs

1 1/4 C Cake Flour (not self-rising)

1 C Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

3 C Sugar

1/2 Tsp Salt

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 13- by 9- by 2-inch metal baking pan, knocking out excess flour.

Melt butter with chocolate in a large metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove bowl from pan and whisk in eggs, 1 at a time. Sift together flour and cocoa powder in a separate bowl and stir into batter with sugar and salt. Pour batter into pan and bake in middle of oven until top is firm and a tester inserted into center comes out with crumbs adhering, 40 to 45 minutes. 

Hello December!!!

Wow…How is it December?! It always feel like it seems so far away for most of the year….but now that we are here I know it will go by way too fast. 

I am excited to join I am Baker and several other bloggers in bringing you this post. If you have a moment check out all the wonderful recipes being offered this week. 

A few years ago my family started a new tradition. We ended the gift giving to focus on creating family memories in it's place. I am sure others thought we were crazy but this created some of the best memories I have of the Holiday Season to this day. It is a defining moment when the holidays  go back to what the focus should be of time spent with family instead of what was bought. 

Our tradition does have rules…nothing can be bought and any money spent can only happen if everyone chips in. Our first year, my sister brought in a personal chef to teach us all how to make sushi…and everyone chipped in. Never having made sushi before….it was a lot of fun and some great laughs (just imagine trying to make sushi…lol) and a great memory we all look back on.  

Over the last few weeks, I have been listening to coworkers and friends talk about all of the gifts they have yet to purchase and the money being spent. Sounds stressful to me! I just sit back relaxed and grateful for my family. I know when I go home the time will be spent together with conversation, great food and the annual trip to the movie theater. We will spend time cooking together in the kitchen and other great family memories. The removal of the annual stress was the greatest gift ever given and I think my family agrees. 

Don't let the stress of things unimportant get in the way of what is. My holiday will probably begin with making these Black Gold Cookies to share with family. Let's just say these little cookies taste exactly like a brownie. (Never a bad thing!) So I hope during this month everyone is able to enjoy time with family and create your own lifetime memories.

Black Gold Cookies

Adapted from Gourmet

3 oz Unsweetened Chocolate, chopped coarse

18 oz semisweet Chocolate, chopped coarse

1/2 C Unsalted Butter

3 Eggs

1 C plus 2 Tbsp Sugar

1 Tbsp Instant Espresso Powder

1 1/2 Tbsp McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract

8 Tbsp Unbleached Flour

1/2 Tsp Salt

1/2 Tsp Baking Powder

Preheat oven to 325°F

In a double boiler set over simmering water, melt unsweetened chocolate, 9 oz semisweet chocolate, and butter, stirring occasionally, and remove top of double boiler from heat.

In a bowl with an electric mixer, beat eggs with sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 monutes). Add espresso powder, vanilla, and cooled melted chocolate, beating until smooth.

In a small bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt and add to chocolate mixture, beating until just combined. Stir in remaining semisweet chocolate until combined well.

Using a small scoop, place dough on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake cookies in oven 22-24 minutes, until tops begin to crack (do not overbake). Cool cookies on a rack.

*McCormick provided me with some spices and vanilla for my use but all opinions about it are my own