Happy New Year

I didn't get a chance to wish you a Merry Christmas, so today, while I'm available I want to wish you a Happy New Year!

I hope that 2011 for you is successful and blissful, much like I hope 2011 is for me.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by this year and I hope to bring even more in the next year.

Much Love,
Kelli

Things Around the Web

I'm a bit of a news junkie.  If I could make a career of reading the news I would be making millions.  So, every once in a while I like to share some of the interesting things that I've seen or found cool and share them with you.  As my family  has already heard about it and doesn't want to hear about it again.  Aren't you lucky?

So, for things around the web and world:

1. Eclipse.  I did see the eclipse last night.  L. woke me up at 1:30 am and we went and watched it.  Since I live in Texas our weather was rather warm for winter so no need for jackets, blankets, or frankly shoes.  It was great.  My pictures from the event weren't, but the even itself was great.  I like being a part of history.

2. Net Neutrality.  I know some of you have no idea what this is but if you own a website and are not a Fortune 500 company then it is something you need to look into.  What was going to happen was Internet, wireless, and cable providers were going to charge you to see certain content and they would give faster load times to those companies who could afford to pay for faster load times.  This penalizes those companies who could not. Such as anyone who is not Fortune 500.  That further puts a strain on small businesses because people don't like to wait more than a second or three for a page to load.  Imagine waiting a whole 60 seconds, most wouldn't do it. 

Today the FCC in a 3-2 decision voted for Net Neutrality with some rules.  So it is a compromise, but it is better than getting what the large companies wanted.  You can read about the Net Neutrality verdict here.

3. The Nativity Story. Have you seen this video about the Nativity Scene as done through Social Media?  This was a fun video to watch and still kept up with a the greatest story ever told.  You can see the Nativity Story as Told Through Social Media here.

4. Justified Season 2.  It starts up again on February 9th on FX.  This show stars Timothy Olyphant as US Marshall, Raylan Givens.  Oh so good.  Really good.



Mary Did You Know
by Kenny Rogers & Wynonna Judd

Okay that is it for the moment.  Will be planning my final Christmas Dessert Extravaganza and posting some recipes to go with it.

Much Love,
Kelli

Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

I was reading over my blog and realized I said I would have this recipe up today.  I have to quit doing that.  As I'm sure is the case with many of you my week is filling up quickly with last minute details.  For example I have to get everyone's Christmas gifts.  Except for Shas's and her mother's.  In which case I made those and now have to deliver them. 

My mom also said I could take over the desserts for Christmas.  That means pecan pie, applie pie, and grape salad.  There will also be an assortment of other treats that I plan on making, but those are the big three and specific to Christmas.

These cookies I will probably be making again because they were so good and I have left over ingredients and would like to use them.

Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
adapted from Guy's Craisy Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients


2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar  * I used light brown cause that was all I had
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
3/4 cup dried cranberries
2 cups quick oats

Directions


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, soda, powder, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with a mixer. Mix in honey and vanilla until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, until fully incorporated. Mix in coconut, dried cranberries, and oats. Fold dry ingredients into butter mixture. Form into balls, approximately 2 tablespoons. Place 2 inches apart on parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake until cookies turn golden, 13 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven to cooling rack. Let sit 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
 
These were really good.  In my next round I will probably use a tad more cranberry and an extra pinch of salt.  Other than that they were really good.  This recipe also calls for rosemary, but I didn't have that on hand, but will probably try it at some point.
 
So now I have to go to the post office with the others who need to be there on the busiest shipping day of the year.  I promise to refrain from singing Christmas carols unless you annoy me, then you're in for a treat.  You've been warned.
 
Much Love,
Kelli

Sunday Treats

I think I'm finally going to be able to do my sum up of the week. These categories might change because I have the propensity to change my mind a lot, but I think most of them will stay.

Song That Tickled My Ears:



Grace Kelly
by Mika

----
Tweet of the Week:

@fredthompson: Man claiming to be doc for 20 yrs exposed as fraud. Huh. Obamacare's so bad, even FAKE doctors are getting out of the business. #ftrs #tcot

 - I laughed so hard after I read that.

---

Favorite Show of the Week:

Comedy: The Big Bang Theory - Everyone needs to see this.  I almost shot liquid through my nose when they were talking to Penny's new boyfriend.

Zack: You know, I saw this great thing on the Discovery Channel. Turns out if you kill a starfish it'll just come back to life.

Sheldon: Was the starfish wearing boxer shorts? Because you might have been watching Nickelodeon.

Drama: Burn Notice - Bruce Campbell as Sam gets me every time and this past week he saved the day.  He was awesome.  Awesome I say!

---

Picture of the Week:

I saw this picture when I went to fotolia to find some stock photos for a client and I just loved it.

---
Recipe I'd Like to Try:

Iced Oatmeal Cookies
from Smitten Kitchen

So I made no-bakes, white chocolate pretzels and pies yesterday and today.  So at least two people will be getting their gifts from me.

Tomorrow I will have my oatmeal cranberry cookies up.

Much Love,
Kelli

New Banner

So I have a new banner.  I actually have quite a few planned for the upcoming year, but this is the first. 

Now onto the fun stuff.  I love stocking stuffers.  Usually more than the gifts I receive.  I don't know why, but in my house they are always fun, personal, and very surprising.  So, I thought I would give some ideas on last minute stocking stuffers or small gifts you can get if you need to:

For the Baker/Cook:

The Pioneer Woman Cooks - if they don't already have it.  I don't know anyone who doesn't like this delightful and funny woman from Oklahoma.

Best part?  Retail is $16.99
(obviously this is for someone special)

Other Ideas:
 - Measuring Cups
 - Measuring Spoons
 - Whisk
 - Good Peeler
 - Apple Corer
 - Ice Cream / Melon Scoop
 - Baking Pans
 - Baking Bowls



For the Music Lover:

Bill Graham Presents:
If you have a music lover in your life this book is great.  Bill Graham was one of the most famous concert promoters and this autobiography with a finish by those who knew him best and comments from the acts he booked your music lover is in for a delightful and insightful treat.  I can not express how amazing this book is.

Retail price is only $16.99

Other Ideas:

 - iTunes Gift Cards
 - Amazon Gift Card
 - Life by Keith Richards (Rolling Stones)
 - Motley Crue: The Dirt by Motley Crue



for the Fashionista:

The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from Mad Men

I have a great friend that I would give this too who is both fashionable and into Mad Men.  I have a sister who would also like this.  I personally want to read it and get it myself.  You can pick this up in many stores.

Retail $18.00

Other Ideas:

 - Gift Card to Sam Moon or other beloved place
 - Make up kit from Ulta (they have several to choose from)
 - Really cute socks


These are just a few, but hopefully they will give you some ideas about the people in your life.

Much Love,
Kelli

Day Fourteen: Uh oh Two Weeks

Confession: I have not worked out since I was so sick and I have bitten my nails.  I did that last night.  I have found I'm not allowed to be bored with nothing to do with my hands.  It gets me in to trouble.

I'm blushing. 

Thank you for reading this.

This is a fun song:



Grace Kelly
by Mika

Much Love,
Kelli

Having a Jessie Spano Moment

Do you remember this?



Okay the part I'm referencing is "NO TIME!  There's NEVER enough time!"  Not all the drug parts, I promise!  So, I'm having a tough time - pun intended - getting enough time to do what I want to do.  I dream about updating this blog more, I even have a new banner I would like to work on, but alas, no time.

Granted we all have the same hours in a day to do what needs to be done.  I am probably not the most efficient person ever, but there is so much last minute stuff going on that my day seems to be taken from me.  Except for Monday night, that was because I really, really wanted to watch Tabatha's Salon Takeover.

So, yes, this blog is over due for an update, especially on my challenge, but I don't think this time of year was the best idea to start the whole thing.  Lesson learned. Hopefully...

Meanwhile I've really gotten into this song:



Difference Between Us
by The Dead Weathers

"I'm not the way you found me.
I'm neither here nor there.
One day I'm happy and healthy
Next I ain't doin' so well."

Kinda depressing for this time of year, so here's a Christmas song we enjoy at my house.



Christmas Vacation
by Mavis Staples

Much Love,
Kelli

Clothing & Cookies

I've been a little busy these past few days.  I gave a huge presentation on Friday and nailed it.  I can't tell you what a feeling of accomplishment that was.

Then to celebrate I baked.  I made white chocolate covered pretzels and brown - edged cookies which I will share the recipe down below.

Meanwhile I played this song the other day and it so does bring a smile to my face:



Your Wildest Dreams
by the Moody Blues

So for the clothing part:

My dearest second-mother, Shas's mom, bought me this cute head scarf at a craft fair a couple of Saturday's ago and I had to share it with you.  I think it is adorable.

Then I got to borrow L's cute hat and wore it on Saturday.  I want it now of course, but I'll go buy my own so we can exchange on different days.

Since it has been such a limited year financially I'm making Christmas gifts this year.  This includes pies, cookies, fudge (well mom is making that), and anything else that I make that others would want.

So these are my white chocolate covered pretzels.  The only other ingredient you might want to add is cinnamon.  It really makes these easy, if sort of tedious treats, taste even better.

White Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Bakers White Chocolate (or Vanilla Candy Coating)
Pretzel Rods
Cinnamon * optional


And these are my mom's favorite so I made them just for her:

Brown Edge Cookies

adapted from my mother and grandmother

Ingredients

* 1 cup sifted cake flour

* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 1/4 cup shortening

* 3/4 cup white sugar

* 1 egg

* 1 1/4 teaspoons lemon extract

* 1/2 cup cottage cheese, creamed

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).

2. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. Mix until creamy shortening, sugar and egg. Add lemon extract. Mix in cottage cheese until smooth

3. Add flour mixture and mix just until blended.

Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheet. Bake ten to fifteen minutes, or until brown around the edges.

So, that was my weekend.  I'm feeling back to my old self so I will start to work out again and hopefully have other postings for you. 

Much Love,
Kelli

Christmas Movies

So I've seen a few posts about books.  One day I'll post about books, but today I'm posting about movies.  More specifically my favorite Christmas movies.  Or more to the point, movies I watch at Christmas time.  I would love to know what yours are so feel free to share them!

* Slight warning the final movie does come with some expletives.  You've been warned.

5. Elf.

" I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite."

"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup. "

"I like to whisper too! "

"Have you seen these toilets? They're GINORMOUS!"

"It's just nice to meet another human that shares my affinity for elf culture."

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

There are so many great quotes and the innocence in this movie is just perfect. 

4. Gone With the Wind

My mother and I try to watch this every Christmas day.  After we finish we watch the TV Special, Scarlett, if for no other reason than to see Rhett and Scarlett back together again.

Now, since Gone With the Wind is three hours long and Scarlett is six hours long we sometimes make a monopoly of the TV.  Some years we trade this tradition in for a game with the rest of the family or a new movie, but we always come back to it.

In our opinion there is nothing more beautiful than technicolor.  And this movie shows why.  Who hasn't wanted to wear just one of the gowns that Scarlett did for an evening?  Truly a great and beautiful movie.

3. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

L., is the person who introduced me to this movie, and we have watched it every year since.  Is it traditional?  No, but it does offer the song, "Hard Candy Christmas" sang by the awesome Dolly Parton.

Since this movie was discovered around this time of year so long ago it has stuck as our sister tradition to watch this movie at Christmas time, specifically, Christmas Eve.  It used to be so hard for us to fall asleep and stay asleep on Christmas Eve always wanting to see what Santa had brought us.

This movie is something we would watch when our parents had gone to sleep and we had control of the TV for a few brief hours.  Or, when we had awoken at 4:00 am and had to do something to occupy our time before we could open up the gifts.

2. Love Actually

This is my own special movie that I watch at this time.  No one else in my family really cares for it, but me.  It has so many actors I like and the story for me was just perfect.  My favorite, of course, being the Hugh Grant story line.  However, Emma Thompson's was right up there.  Anything with Alan Rickman is a good thing.

Okay there is a soft spot for Bill Nighy as Billy Mac and his manager.  Just perfection as far as I'm concerned.  So if you like romantic movies with great stories and comedy and are looking for something this season I suggest this movie.

1. Christmas Vacation

As far as I'm concerned there is no better Christmas movie than Christmas Vacation.  And there is no arguing about it either.  My family quotes this movie on a regular basis for all sorts of situations.  And yes, "The shitter's full." is a great response to almost any question.

[Todd and Margo Chester, the Griswold's yuppie neighbors, appear]

Todd: Hey Griswold. Where do you think you're gonna put a tree that big?

Clark: Bend over and I'll show you.

Todd: You've got a lot of nerve talking to me like that Griswold.

Clark: I wasn't talking to you.  - Julia Louise Dryfus' face on this is priceless.

Clark: Hey! If any of you are looking for any last-minute gift ideas for me, I have one. I'd like Frank Shirley, my boss, right here tonight. I want him brought from his happy holiday slumber over there on Melody Lane with all the other rich people and I want him brought right here, with a big ribbon on his head, and I want to look him straight in the eye and I want to tell him what a cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing, brainless, dickless, hopeless, heartless, fat-ass, bug-eyed, stiff-legged, spotty-lipped, worm-headed sack of monke

y shit he is! Hallelujah! Holy shit! Where's the Tylenol?

Eddie: Every time Catherine revved up the microwave, I'd piss my pants and forget who I was for about half an hour or so.

And the beloved line, Clark: We're gonna have the hap hap happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap danced with Danny 'f***ing' Kaye.

 

So what is yours?

Much Love,

Kelli

Day Ten: In Need of Prayers

What is going on with me is not the end of the world.  Not by a long shot.  I have my health (back, praise be to God), my family is all relatively happy and nice, and for that I am grateful.  But, it is a difficult time.  There are times that if I dwelt on it I would have a panic attack.  And the worst of it is the situation isn't new.  It's not the first time I've been through this, and quite frankly I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired.

However, I am praying.  I know He will bring me through this, and that this is just a season in life.  Not a very fun one, but one that does come with its own blessings.  I am still laughing, enjoying life, and living life as best I can.  I just wish I had a little relief, but then again who doesn't? :D

I just wanted to say I'm still praying, I haven't bitten my nails, and as soon as I'm recovered I will get back to working out.

Much Love,
Kelli

Feeling Better

I'm feeling much better today.  I missed out on a friend's birthday party last night though.  I do hate that, but I'm sure they were all happy I wasn't spreading my germs around until I was healed.

If you find yourself with this stomach virus these two items will be lifesavers for you.

1. Charcoal pills.  You can find them at Wal-Mart as CharcoCaps. They're pink caps, but contain the all important, charcoal.  Charcoal works the way burnt toast would and absorbs anything in your stomach, so if you have a bacteria (which the stomach virus would actually be a bacteria, not virus) it will help you.  Just read the directions. -- This is also great if you travel to some weird places.

2. Tylenol Sinus.  Especially if your sinus' drain into your teeth like they do to me. 

Aren't you glad we had this conversation?  I'll forever thank Dr. Salih for the charcoal tip.  It's been a great help to me.

So, I think I might actually attempt to make something tomorrow if my healing continues.  Nothing difficult, but some white chocolate covered pretzels sound really good with some cinnamon.

In the meantime Glee was fantastic last night.  Even my mom liked it, which is quite the compliment.  Here was my favorite song, wish you could see the scene, from the episode:



Much Love,
Kelli

Day Eight & Nine: Eek!

I do have so much to catch up on, but the truth is I've been out sick since Sunday night.  I usually only get sick once a year, if that, but this year I've been out sick three times now.  I hate it.  I just absolutely HATE being sick.  I know no one likes being sick but I resent it.  I know I can't help it, but it doesn't make me accept what is happening any easier.

Great shouts of gratitude to God though and great friends.  I sent out a distress call on Facebook last night asking for prayers that I get better so I could come to work today.  I have a lot going on these next two weeks and since this is partly my company it is a big deal.  And God blessed me with enough health to make it.  Now I'm just nursing a sinus infection, which isn't fun, but at least manageable.

I will have posts coming soon, but not today.  As I said to the office today I may not move fast, but I will move diligently.

PS: I did bite a hangnail off, but other than that I still haven't bitten my nails.  So another yay!

Day Seven: Shopping & Family

I did not technically get on my elliptical and work out, but I walked, a lot, today.  And I carried a baby and let him bounce in my arms.  My chest is going to hurt like a mother bear tomorrow.  That kid was my weight training, but he is so darn cute that its worth it. He has the biggest smile and unless he is hungry or tired he doesn't cry or get too upset.

Meanwhile, my second mom, Shas's mom, bought me the cutest accessory.  I'll have a picture for you later because I'm so wearing it very, very soon.  I'd say tomorrow but I never know what exactly I'll wear until I put it on.  I have this habit of changing my mind, which my dad might tell you about if you ask, or perhaps if you don't.

You need to see this video especially if you're a Big Bang Theory fan like me.  Dr. Sheldon Cooper for the win indeed.



Oh No
by Marina and the Diamonds

Well no food for today.  Tomorrow I have to make an appetizer for one Christmas party and find an elephant gift for the second.  Two Christmas parties you may ask?  Yes.  One is for my Sunday school class, the other is for the older group in our church, whom I just adore. They are sweet and have adopted me as an honorary member.  I'm very humbled by it and so blessed.  Great stories and sweet people who know how to have fun.

Also this video is from the season finale of Sons of Anarchy.  It is a different version.



Hey Hey My My
by Battleme

Day Six: Confessions of an Inexperienced Baker

I'm still learning to bake.  Most of the things I make come out well in-spite of some of the things I do.  Last night was no exception.  I know that this is the process in learning how to bake I'm not worried about it, but I feel the need to tell you that there will be no original recipes here until I'm on more solid footing with my baking skills.

For example the red velvet cupcakes I made.  I used Duncan Heinz.  There were a ton of cupcakes and although these were good I think if I do it myself it will probably be much better.  And next time I can make my own color.

The no-bakes I made "from scratch" but these cookies are so easy.  Unless of course you are me...

Confession time: So my top-stove takes a long time to heat up.  A LONG TIME.  So, last night I heated up my pot to medium heat as directed.  I finished measuring out all of my ingredients and then I went to the stove.  The first thing I put in there was butter... suddenly there was an explosion of smoke and a smell that wasn't that pleasant.  Wow.  Yeah.  So apparently the rule where it takes forever did not apply to me last night.

Needless to say  I'm glad I only put one ingredient in there first.  My no-bakes taste great, but because of a mis-read they weren't as goopy as I normally like.  Still taste great though.

So, this morning I took a picture of my creations and after tasting them this morning felt much better about the whole thing.

Of course today is Friday Night Dinner with the friends, so these delicious treats are on their way to celebrate Shas's birthday with her.

However, I wanted to leave you with this Christmas gem because I really do like Christmas music.  Even if you don't...



No word yet on the work out because Friday's are crazy, but I'm not giving up.

Day Five: Cupcakes, No Bakes, and Back Breaks

To say my back hurts right at this moment would be an understatement.  However, I have 48 red velvet mini-cupcakes and I don't know how many no-bakes but quite a few.  I'll have pictures of them tomorrow.  Meanwhile, I'm resting and enjoying one of my favorite shows, Burn Notice.  Perhaps it has jumped shark with the character, Jesse, but Bruce Campbell is still incredible so that is what counts.

Anyone else love Bruce Campbell besides me?  I'll never forget my senior year of high school and we would watch movies during lunch before our fifth period started (and by us I mean my English class).  We watched Evil Dead 2... great camp/horror movie.  And I don't like horror, but again, Bruce Campbell made it great.

I'll have pictures of my food tomorrow when I have better light.  I really liked my pictures of the blondies in the morning light, so that is what I'm going for.  Meanwhile quick question why are there so many bad guys who have such loyal followers?  Always found that odd.

Well I worked out tonight it actually wasn't that bad.  Maybe one day it won't be as bad.  And I haven't bitten my nails.

I know I posted this on here earlier, but seriously a great song!

This Charming Life
Joan Armatrading



Much Love,
Kelli.

Happy Birthday Shas!!

Did you know I have a friend named Shas?  Well I do.  Her and I have been friends since the seventh grade.  We had gone our separate ways after high school, but she found me, put up with my stubbornness and now we're back to being friends.  I do so love this person, Shas.  So in honor of her, I dedicated my Top 5 to her.



The River
by Garth Brooks

It is because of Shas that I really got into Garth Brooks and was even able to see him in concert. When he bought free HBO for those with cable so we could see his special I was at Shas's house. Great times. Happy Birthday my dear, dear friend.



X's and O's (American Girl)
by Trisha Yearwood

So Shas had a car before I did and she was generous enough to pick me up every day for school, and we must have listened to Trisha nearly every morning. This was my favorite of the tape.



You May Be Right
by Billy Joel

So Garth Brooks was Shas's favorite and Billy Joel is mine. However, Shas did like this song. I was quite excited when she told me that. Oh if I could only recount some of the great times we had/have. Like the issue of high-waters and the movie, Emma. Or the term 'schmegma' from Homecoming. Thanks for the great times friend!



I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas
by Gayla Peevey

Christmas is another thing Shas and I share. Especially Christmas music. This is such a fun song and I so enjoy when we can listen to it and sing along. I really hope you all have a great friend like Shas in your life.



Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In
by The 5th Dimension

Now this is how cool Shas and her husband, Joe are. This was the song they walked down the aisle to after being pronounced husband and wife. Honestly awesome. I hope you have an amazing birthday and wonderful day friend, much love from me to you!

May your Thursday shine as bright as I hope Shas's does!

Much Love,
Kelli

Day Four: Break

I know what you're thinking, a break on day four?  Why yes I will take that.  Wednesday night is when I go to church and therefore it is the night I relax and don't rush to do anything.  Therefore, no I didn't work out tonight, I'm not making any dessert and I'm totally going to watch Psyche.

I will however tell you that I haven't bitten my nails yet.  Four days without is a big deal for me.  It's not easy.  My natural instinct is not to leave them alone.

Tomorrow is Shas's big birthday so I'm going to bake her Red Velvet Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and no-bake cookies.

Much Love,
Kelli

Peanut Butter White Chocolate Blondies

I had a poll yesterday between the Peanut Butter White Chocolate Blondies (PBWC) or no-bakes.  The PBWC won until some stragglers came in and voted for the no-bakes, but I had already made up my mind.

Breaking News: Sons of Anarchy last night was BRILLIANT.  Seriously best episode I've seen.  So I have this song for you:



John the Revelator
by Curtis Stigers & The Forest Rangers

- Great song by the way.  Really great song.

Meanwhile I made Blondies last night.  I've never had a Blondie before which is odd since I am, in fact, blonde.  However, they were delicious.  Taste like a more moist peanut butter cookie.

I did the recipe straight from Rachel Allen who is from England so the recipe is in ounces.  Thankfully I had a way to measure that.

Peanut Butter White Chocolate Blondies

Recipe from Rachel Allen

Ingredients

7 tablespoons butter, softened, plus more for greasing

4 1/2 ounces all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
5 ounces crunchy peanut butter
6 ounces soft light brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ounces white chocolate, chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter the sides of an 8 by 8-inch square cake pan and line the base with parchment or greaseproof paper.

Sift the flour and baking powder into a small bowl, and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream the 7 tablespoons butter and peanut butter together until very soft. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined. Add the flour, baking powder, and the chopped chocolate, and mix to form a dough.

Spread the dough in the prepared pan, and bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and almost firm in the center.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan, before removing and cutting into squares.

So there you go.  They were delicious!

And this song was featured in the beginning of the episode and it was so nice I had to share this too:



This Charming Life
Joan Armatrading

Much Love,
Kelli