I quit

I had really big plans for today.  I was going to do something really cool.  I was going to tell you all about the background of how chocolate became important on Valentine’s Day. 

Well. Couple of things. (well, maybe three things)

First.  I set out to do my research.  I read, took notes, googled, and wiki-ed.  I had the best intentions, but after an hour of research I had this:  Chocolates are traditionally given on Valentine’s Day.  From there, the rest of my research is sketchy, at best.  Honestly, I had the best intentions, but . . . well on to number two.  You’ll see.

Two.  I quit smoking on February 1st.  O.k., well, I didn’t really quit.  But, I tried to quit.  Still trying, actually.  Sooooo, *sigh*, the thing is, my patience isn’t, well, great right now.  And, my concentration a little bit . . . .  spotty.  Sorry, but after an hour resulting in “Chocolates are traditonally given on Valentine’s Day” I threw my notebook across the room.  My pencil went hurling toward the wall and the laptop lid?  SLAM.  Yup, not a good thing.  So, here we come to number three.

Three.  Who really gives a flip why chocolates are traditionally given on Valentine’s Day?  I mean really.  Just give me the d*mn CHOCOLATE!!

So there you have it.  I’m afraid I have failed you.  You will not be getting a history lesson on why chocolates are important on Valentine’s Day.  I know you will understand, because I know you want me to be a quitter.

Instead, you get to have my brownie recipe.  See, it’s not so bad, afterall.   I knew you’d forgive me. 

I actually have two favorite brownie recipes:  the fast and the fantastic.  The first one (fast) goes from the pantry to my belly (and subsequently my hips) in about 25 minutes (best used in chocolate emergencies).   The fantastic takes a bit longer, but is usually worth the wait, since it’s a better brownie.  I’m giving you the fantastic tonight.  Stay tuned for the fast brownies.

 Here I have sprinkled 3/4 cup of mini-marshmallows and 1/4 cup of chocolate chips over the top of the brownies.  You can also add up to a cup of nuts in the batter, if you feel so inclined (I usually don’t).

Chocolate Brownies

3/4  cup cocoa powder 
3/4  cup shortening 
2 1/4  cups sugar 
4  large eggs 
1  teaspoon vanilla 
1 1/4  cups flour 
1  teaspoon baking powder 
1  teaspoon salt 
1/2 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional:  3/4 cup mini-marshmallows, 1/4 cup chocolate chips, (up to) 1 cup of chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line a 9×13″ pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Melt shortening in a large saucepan over low heat, then stir in cocoa.
Remove from heat.
Mix in sugar and vanilla then mix in eggs one at a time.
Stir in remaining ingredients then stir in chocolate chips (add nuts if desired).
Bake for 30 minutes.  If you choose to sprinkle the top with marshmallows and chocolate chips, wait until the last 10 minutes of baking time to add them.
Cool completely on a wire rack.
Cut into 2 inch squares.

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