The one with Brownies

Cake is my FAVORITE thing to eat in the world: second to that, is brownies. The brownie recipe I've been using since childhood is now muscle memory, they come out of the oven warm, ooey-gooey, fudgey deliciousness. There is nothing better on any day of the year than a warm or cool brownie paired with a cold glass of milk (or Hot Coco if it's winter).

One of my biggest problems is getting all the batter into the pan -- it's so tasty!! I'm also convinced it tastes better off a wooden spoon.... just me?

 Fudge-y Brownies:                                            4 eggs, mix together with 1c sugar & 1c brown sugar. Add 1 1/2tsp vanilla & mix together. Melt 1 1/2 sticks butter & set aside to cool. In seperate bowl, sift together 1/2c flour, 2 tsp salt, & 1 1/4c cocoa powder. Alternatively, add the butter & cocoa mixtures to the egg-sugar mixture until homogeneous. Butter & flour a 9x9 brownie pan, add batter & cook at 300 for 48 minutes. 48 May sounds like an arbitrary number, but trust me, they'll be perfection! 

 And Voila! Regardless of the day I'm facing or  my mood, this little piece of heaven will bring a smile to my face every time! Doesn't that look irresistible?!?

I love these super-intense chocolate fudge brownies as they are; however, some of my favorite variations are as follows:
1/2c dried blueberries
1/2c slivered almonds
1 1/2 tsp orange-blossom extract
1/3c Disaronno liquor
1/3c Kahula liquor (Better than Disaronnno in brownies)
Diced Candied Ginger
Crushed candy-canes (around Christmas)
1tsp Cinnamon, raisins & pecans
1pkg instant coffee (tastes like a mocha)
cocoa nibs
1/2c toffee bits
Candied orange peel

On their own or with a little something extra, these are TASTY!! Divertirsi! :)

The one with Mother's Day

As fate would have it, my mother's birthday is also Mother's day -- talk about a double-dose-holiday! This year my siblings & I are treating her to an especially fun day-long experience in NYC with the assistance of my father. We are tickled with anticipation to see her so happy.  Also, I've made her this card, which has a special place in our memories & for anyone who has read the book "I'll love you forever"....it'll bring a tear or a fuzzy feeling to the most emotionally tough of individuals. It was published the year I was born, so it has always had a special place with  my Mom & I.

To all mothers out there, a most sincere wish for a wonderful day with your child(ren). They're your greatest gift, & you have the power to be their greatest inspiration.