Mardi Gras & Brownies

So our family packed up & headed to the Red Cross Carnival yesterday. They had tons of stuff for the kids! They got paint, played basketball, bowling, tossed bean bags, looked at lizards, ate cupcakes & pretzels w/cheese, & got to win some prizes. My daughter chose this Mardi Gras mask & after she let me take pictures of her in it, I decided to use it for my photography challenge for the week.

Photography Challenge: Selective Color

I changed the photo to a black & white, brought the color back in for the mask & her eye, & added a texture layer. I really love my edits because she looks like a little catwoman.

Today I made my delicious brownies. I found this recipe years ago, & it's gotten the highest compliment I think a brownie can have.... "You don't even need any milk!" I make them for my husband's work all the time & for friends. Here is my secret recipe ~

1/2 cup butter
1 cup milk chocolate pieces
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
3/4 cup flour
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder

1. Preheat oven to 350'. Lightly grease 9x9x2 pan w/ shortening.
2. In a small heavy saucepan over low heat, combine butter & chocolate. Stir constantly until melted so mix does not burn. Remove from heat & let cool.
3. Add brown sugar & vanilla to chocolate mix, stir. Add eggs, beat until mixed. Add flour, cocoa powder, salt, & baking powder, stir until mixed.
4. Evenly spread batter in pan. Bake 25-30 mins.

I used a cookie cutter to cut out hearts & drizzled them with chocolate fudge frosting. Add some sprinkles & enjoy!!

Strawberry Sweethearts Cocoa

Such a delicious sweet flavor with a hint of chocolate in every sip. An amazing recipe!!!

4 tbsp butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 pint strawberry ice cream
4 cups water
Whipped cream
1 cup chocolate chips
1 tbsp chocolate sprinkles

1. In a medium bowl, melt chocolate chips & dip the top of cups or mugs into the chocolate. Set aside & let it harden.

2. In a medium pot, whisk together the butter, sugar, & ice cream over medium-high heat until melted. Whisk in the water, one cup at a time until your favorite texture-flavor is achieved (I only needed 2 1/2 cups). Heat just until steaming. Pour into chocolate rimmed mugs. Garnish with a dollop of whipping cream & sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles. Serve with your favorite bite-sized cookies for dipping. Happy Valentine's Day!

Recipe found here: Strawberry Sweethearts Cocoa

The Only Chocolate Cake Recipe You'll Ever Need (Devil's Food)

I'm a huge chocolate lover! I usually just buy those chocolate cupcakes with whipped cream topping at the store, but I love baking & would rather homemake it myself. After about 6 chocolate cake recipes I tried online, I finally came across this one. The name intrigued me, so I made them.... and YES, SUCCESS! These are extremely moist & rich, they are absolutely delicious! Try this recipe just once & you'll see why they call it "The Only Chocolate Cake Recipe You'll Ever Need!" My kids and I decided to decorate them as owls! Decorate them however you want & with the frosting of your choosing.

Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsps baking soda
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup hot coffee
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla

Frosting: I chose to go with a cream cheese frosting after my sister-in-law made them for me. This is the recipe I went with, click the link above if you'd like to try the frosting that came with the recipe.

• 2  (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter. softened
• 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 325'F
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together dry ingredients. Add oil, coffee & milk, & mix at medium speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs & vanilla & beat 2 more minutes. Expect batter to be thin.
3. Pour into a 9"x13" greased & floured pan or 2-9" round pans (or cupcake pan). Bake 9x13 pan for about 45 minutes or 9" pans for about 30 minutes. (Note: I did cupcakes & I think mine were in there for 20-24 mins. Check them with a toothpick to make sure they are finished.) Cool pans for about 15 minutes & then cool completely on racks.
4. While cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese & butter until creamy. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the confectioners' sugar. Store in refrigerator after use.
5. By the way, the cake is recommended chilled, right out of the refrigerator. The rich chocolate and cool frosting just seem to taste best this way. Enjoy!

Link to recipe: "The Only Chocolate Cake Recipe You'll Ever Need!"