I love your stories! This brought to mind the 2 movies that I love about chocolate, Like Water For Chocolate(1992) and Chocolat(2000) The first movie is hispanic and may be subtitled but it has stuck with me and Chocolat has Johnny Depp and some really good music. Oh! I do love chocolate!
Pizza and brownies (and a salad) sound like a pretty perfect meal! I make pizza every week with a dough recipe I originally got from Lidia Bastianich's PBS show, but have tinkered with over the years.
I just made the pizza dough this morning and am making chocolate chip cookies today, as I have been craving them. Brownies will be next week!
Yum! Thanks for this glance at your table, Maria. I'd love to join you there. Bet we'd have plenty to talk about (with so much going on in Aquarius right now).
Susan, I cannot wait to get my hands on a recommended cream cheese brownie recipe. FYI - the link to the cream cheese brownie backstory didn't work for me, though I've had some problems recently with my computer. What a wonderful month this is when one focuses on chocolate, brownies and love. Thanks for infusing these dark times with some dark chocolate.
Having a little trouble making my entry today. So this is part 2 of my entry below.
While admittedly not a big sweets fancier and very light weight in the chocolate lovers corner, I am not as bad as the poor '1 strike against him' boy friend spoken of above. There are 3 chocolates that I will make and enjoy. The first I will get out of the way because I can almost hear the groans from here as I say, I am a cake brownie fancier. I like it served with a like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. (I hope that wasn't too painful for you serious chocoholic brownie lovers.) More along the line of something I would make for company, is the once quite popular Flourless Chocolate Cake. Heavy on egg yokes but if ones diet can afford such a treat, it is a nice special one. When asked what cake I would like for my birthday, for many years it has been a moist chocolate cake with a simple vanilla frosting. The vanilla icing should not be a butter cream or the popular lard icing one sees in store bakeries. These frostings have their place, but not on my birthday cake. A little vanilla ice cream on the side and I am ready to dance into the new year!
Good to hear from a cake brownie fan, Sandy. But when I'm desperate for choco, I make fudge. That way, there's nothing between me and heaven but some sweetened condensed milk and a few pecans. 😍
One thing that I had forgotten until just now, is that I used to crave chocolate around each period. And I think it actually lessened some of the cramps that I had, which were often rather sever. Unfortunately, even the smallest amount of chocolate resulted in pimples. Perhaps one of the blessings of aging is this does not happen anymore!
Before I go all in about chocolate in a second comment, I'd like to say a thing or two about violets and pizza. :-) Believe it or not I have very rarely in my 76 years ever seen or smelled plain old fashion violets. When I did see them it was usually in flower shop. I have grown many kinds of pansies and violas and even johnnie jump ups. And we have a very pretty little yellow wild violet in our woods. All of which I like very much. But none of them have the lovely violet scent. I don't know if one can still buy violet scented perfume. But it was a cheap perfume in my youth which was popular. I find it endearing that violet has a place of regard here in February.
On to Pizza! Admittedly, a good pizza can turn my head! And for me a good pizza can be a wonderful combination of the just right crust and sauce and a sprinkling of flavorful cheese. Each of these ingredients can vary to create perfectly mouth watering combinations in my book. Though I am generally a thin crust fan (especially now that I am gluten free) back in the (pre GF) I could be tempted by a thick crust or two. As to other toppings I am okay with many options, but I usually prefer only one or two at most on any one pizza. I will admit to enjoying the occasional Hawaiian pizza. With it's Canadian sliced ham and pineapple, when the pineapple is fresh and has been well drained first, and as long as the pizza is not too laden down with these treats. But mostly a thin crust with a flavorful Italian style sauce and a sprinkle of cheese is what I am after!
I agree with you about the Hawaiian pizza...I think that used to be my favorite. Now I seem to be more partial to a good Supreme pizza. I remember back in my teens eating most of a medium sized pizza by myself!
Oh my, cream cheese brownies! My heart is beating faster even as my blood pressure drops. (Well, it's always been low, in a good way, probably because I've consumed chocolate at every chance since I was old enough to buy it at the corner grocery store.)
It was nice to read about something so pleasant, and thank you for that.
I believe we CAN all agree on the wonders and magic of chocolate! My daughter once had a boyfriend who didn't like it and I told him that was "Strike one!" 🤣
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate remains one of my greatest pleasures. In addition to the healing properties that you list, chocolate can heal a broken heart (at least momentarily); it can inspire writing, shopping, gardening, knitting, hiking and tennis, and more; chocolate teaches us the power of savoring, appreciating, and surrender. In short, there has never been a better invention than chocolate. Here's to Valentine's Day chocolate and chocolate lovers everywhere! Very informative, and beautiful post, Susan!
Wish there was a little sad face I could click on instead of the heart. The effects of climate change are far reaching and heartbreaking. There will be many things to miss. Big hugs.
Here's the correct link for the Cream Cheese Brownie Day page: https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-cream-cheese-brownie-day-january-10 We all need all the chocolate love we can get in these perilous times! 🧡🧡🧡
And it included the recipe. Grazie!
I love your stories! This brought to mind the 2 movies that I love about chocolate, Like Water For Chocolate(1992) and Chocolat(2000) The first movie is hispanic and may be subtitled but it has stuck with me and Chocolat has Johnny Depp and some really good music. Oh! I do love chocolate!
Oh, I had to laugh There is a Cream Cheese Brownie Day Just love that
Seems like there's a day for everything--but this is one we can all appreciate. :)
You are a busy woman -- and a huge inspiration to us all. Hugs from Tucson,
Thank you, Pat. Hope all is well over there!
Pizza and brownies (and a salad) sound like a pretty perfect meal! I make pizza every week with a dough recipe I originally got from Lidia Bastianich's PBS show, but have tinkered with over the years.
I just made the pizza dough this morning and am making chocolate chip cookies today, as I have been craving them. Brownies will be next week!
Thank you for all the great info, as always.
Yum! Thanks for this glance at your table, Maria. I'd love to join you there. Bet we'd have plenty to talk about (with so much going on in Aquarius right now).
Oh my gosh, yes!
GREAT STUFF as usual. Happy Chocolate Brownie Day - EVERY day!!!
And you too, Carolyn.
Craving chocolate now!
Susan, I cannot wait to get my hands on a recommended cream cheese brownie recipe. FYI - the link to the cream cheese brownie backstory didn't work for me, though I've had some problems recently with my computer. What a wonderful month this is when one focuses on chocolate, brownies and love. Thanks for infusing these dark times with some dark chocolate.
Oops! That link doesn't work for me, either. Here's the correct one: https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-cream-cheese-brownie-day-january-10 I'll fix it in the online edition and leave a pinned note in the comments. Thanks for letting me know. We all need all the brownie-love we can get!
Having a little trouble making my entry today. So this is part 2 of my entry below.
While admittedly not a big sweets fancier and very light weight in the chocolate lovers corner, I am not as bad as the poor '1 strike against him' boy friend spoken of above. There are 3 chocolates that I will make and enjoy. The first I will get out of the way because I can almost hear the groans from here as I say, I am a cake brownie fancier. I like it served with a like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. (I hope that wasn't too painful for you serious chocoholic brownie lovers.) More along the line of something I would make for company, is the once quite popular Flourless Chocolate Cake. Heavy on egg yokes but if ones diet can afford such a treat, it is a nice special one. When asked what cake I would like for my birthday, for many years it has been a moist chocolate cake with a simple vanilla frosting. The vanilla icing should not be a butter cream or the popular lard icing one sees in store bakeries. These frostings have their place, but not on my birthday cake. A little vanilla ice cream on the side and I am ready to dance into the new year!
Good to hear from a cake brownie fan, Sandy. But when I'm desperate for choco, I make fudge. That way, there's nothing between me and heaven but some sweetened condensed milk and a few pecans. 😍
One thing that I had forgotten until just now, is that I used to crave chocolate around each period. And I think it actually lessened some of the cramps that I had, which were often rather sever. Unfortunately, even the smallest amount of chocolate resulted in pimples. Perhaps one of the blessings of aging is this does not happen anymore!
Before I go all in about chocolate in a second comment, I'd like to say a thing or two about violets and pizza. :-) Believe it or not I have very rarely in my 76 years ever seen or smelled plain old fashion violets. When I did see them it was usually in flower shop. I have grown many kinds of pansies and violas and even johnnie jump ups. And we have a very pretty little yellow wild violet in our woods. All of which I like very much. But none of them have the lovely violet scent. I don't know if one can still buy violet scented perfume. But it was a cheap perfume in my youth which was popular. I find it endearing that violet has a place of regard here in February.
On to Pizza! Admittedly, a good pizza can turn my head! And for me a good pizza can be a wonderful combination of the just right crust and sauce and a sprinkling of flavorful cheese. Each of these ingredients can vary to create perfectly mouth watering combinations in my book. Though I am generally a thin crust fan (especially now that I am gluten free) back in the (pre GF) I could be tempted by a thick crust or two. As to other toppings I am okay with many options, but I usually prefer only one or two at most on any one pizza. I will admit to enjoying the occasional Hawaiian pizza. With it's Canadian sliced ham and pineapple, when the pineapple is fresh and has been well drained first, and as long as the pizza is not too laden down with these treats. But mostly a thin crust with a flavorful Italian style sauce and a sprinkle of cheese is what I am after!
I agree with you about the Hawaiian pizza...I think that used to be my favorite. Now I seem to be more partial to a good Supreme pizza. I remember back in my teens eating most of a medium sized pizza by myself!
Oh my, cream cheese brownies! My heart is beating faster even as my blood pressure drops. (Well, it's always been low, in a good way, probably because I've consumed chocolate at every chance since I was old enough to buy it at the corner grocery store.)
It was nice to read about something so pleasant, and thank you for that.
Better stock up on the chocolate, Diane. 🎂 I have the feeling we're in for some high-pressure days and weeks.
You think?
I believe we CAN all agree on the wonders and magic of chocolate! My daughter once had a boyfriend who didn't like it and I told him that was "Strike one!" 🤣
My goodness! I think he's the only person I've ever heard of who wasn't a chocolate lover. Unusual distinction.
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate remains one of my greatest pleasures. In addition to the healing properties that you list, chocolate can heal a broken heart (at least momentarily); it can inspire writing, shopping, gardening, knitting, hiking and tennis, and more; chocolate teaches us the power of savoring, appreciating, and surrender. In short, there has never been a better invention than chocolate. Here's to Valentine's Day chocolate and chocolate lovers everywhere! Very informative, and beautiful post, Susan!
It must be the best-loved plant in the world. But this, too: https://www.npr.org/2024/05/15/1198909986/chocolate-cocoa-prices-shortage-climate-change
Wish there was a little sad face I could click on instead of the heart. The effects of climate change are far reaching and heartbreaking. There will be many things to miss. Big hugs.