Tag Archives: chocolate

Brownies for Change

Things are changing in the Gal Foodie kitchen. And actually, the kitchen is literally what is changing. The whole idea of change is bred into us Mainer’s as something to be avoided. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” as they say. Well, things here are “broke” and I’m about to fix it. And wow, has it gotten a little stressful around here.

Us islanders thrive on rumors, and this one is true. We’re moving. It is bittersweet to leave Mount Desert Island, and a lot of tears have already been shed for the lifestyle, place and people I’m about to give up. It has been a challenge living here – a hard life, surrounded by a beauty that can’t be denied. It’s a place that captures your heart… if you can survive the winter, of course.

There’s so much to look forward to where we’re going. Farmer’s Markets, and restaurants, and specialty food shops, fishmongers and grocery stores (!!). Family and friends and the familiarity of a hometown. And at the very least,  a burger and a beer within a reasonable distance! (That’s not even an option here 9 months out of the year!). Ben and I are excited about the change, and overwhelmed by the task of making it happen. So, to help relieve the anxiety, I looked no further this week than to the comfort of a food that hasn’t changed in my life in 36 years. Nana’s Brownies.

brownies

My mother is famous for knowing exactly when a giant pan of these needs to be made. We kids always called it “brownie brainwaves.” We would come home from some crazy adventure, and mom would have the brownies already done and cooling on the counter. How did she know?  I’m pretty sure my Nana had the same talent, and I’m pretty sure this recipe was created to ease the heart and soul in times of change. What better way to take your mind off the moment than falling head over heels into a pan of warm brownies?

Nana’s Brownies
1 1/4 cups Shortening, Melted
12 tbsp Cocoa
1 1/2 cups Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
3/4 tsp Salt
4 Eggs
2 cups Sugar
2 tsp Vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts or semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Melt shortening and add the cocoa mix (I do this right in a glass mixing bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds)

2. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and add sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth.

3. Add egg mixture to cocoa mixture

4. Add dry ingredients and stir until smooth, adding walnuts or chocolate chips (or both!)

5.  Grease a 9×13 pan and bake at 350 for about 35 minutes. Do not over bake.

6. Sit down, relax, enjoy the moment as you bite into the warm,  gooey yummy that is… Nana’s Brownies.

As my Nana said to my mother, and my mother to me, “This too, shall pass.” And so it will, even if I have to bake brownies every day until I’m in my new kitchen, starting my new life on the mainland.

Pass the milk and the packing tape, please.
~ Gal Foodie

Gal Foodie Recipe Contest: Celebration Food!

THIS MONTH’S CONTEST: Celebration Food!

It’s March and there’s lots to celebrate! March Madness is coming, the clocks are springing ahead, and as for me, I’m already into a good amount of Spring cleaning – which is always cause for celebration!

This month I thought it would be fun to see what you all could come up with for recipes that you usually have during a celebration. Be it the big game day, a birthday, a wedding, a special dinner –  a dessert, an appetizer, an entree – whatever inspires you to yell “Party’s On!”

The winner of this month’s contest will receive a set of 4 Libbey Vina Stemless 16.5 Ounce Red Wine Glasses! I love these for any celebration, and they’ll look good on your table too!

Here are the Rules:
1. Send me your favorite recipe for Celebration Food. The term “Celebration Food” can mean anything, so send me a recipe that you would normally make for a celebration in your life. You also must tell me a story about your celebration and WHY you chose this recipe. I prefer original recipes, however if you have one from a book or other resource YOU MUST disclose the source. Entries that appear to be plagiarized with no cited source will be tossed like a salad.

2. If I select your recipe it will be published on the Gal Foodie website along with your photo and you will also receive a set of 4 Libbey Vina Stemless 16.5 Ounce Red Wine Glasses.

3. Recipes will be judged based on your story, taste, originality/artistic flair, ease of preparation/practicality, and appearance.

4. Deadline for submission is March 30, 2009.

Submit Your Recipe [easy-contact].


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And the Winner Is…

Wow you guys can cook!
I received recipe submission’s for last month’s “Comfort Food” recipe contest from all over the world! I really enjoyed the variety of dishes that inspired comfort in all of you, from Diet Coke cake, cheese balls, tuna casseroles (a myriad of combination’s) to chocolate frosting (eaten right out of the bowl!).

What I really enjoyed were the stories that accompanied the recipes. Food is such a memory-jerker. It was clear a lot of you hold very fond memories surrounding the recipes you submitted. Here’s an excerpt from one:

Grandma Gladys Christmas Ball
For about 45 years, my family and I spent Christmas Eve with a neighbor who became our family’s grandmother by proxy. She made this appetizer every year. We never found the exact ingredient amounts written down, she told us the ingredients a few times. Since she passed away in 2001, we have made this same ball and served it every Christmas. Grandma Gladys and Grandpa Harry had no children of their own, we were their only family. My memories began in the early 60’s, the cocktail era. Grandma always had a “toddy” in her hands on Christmas Eve, usually Southern Comfort and Cranberry Juice. The 80’s became my children’s memories, but Grandma and Grandpa were still stuck in the 60’s with their decorating tastes, cocktails and bouffant hair. Imagine sitting at their retro bar, paneling on the walls, red fur pillows on fake leopard print couch and a blazing white rock fireplace. Fabulous.

After reading through all the recipes, trying our favorites, and eating lots of leftovers, Ben and I have chosen the winner. We based our decision on a few key factors. One, we loved the recipe. It was easy, delicious, a pantry cleaner-outer,  and very comforting, especially with the current weather we are having in Maine. Second, we also agreed with the author – it can fix a bad day. Especially with extra cheese.

So congratulations, Lisa Speer! You are our Gal Foodie Favorite pick for February’s Comfort Food Recipe Contest! Hold the cheese!

The Winning Recipe…

Had a Bad Day Meaty Noodles by Lisa Speer
1/2 Pound Ground Beef (80/20 fat ratio)
1/2 Pound Ground Pork
1/4 Teaspoon Oregano
2 1/4 Teaspoons Fine Sea Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Back Pepper
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
1 Tablesoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Dry White Wine
1 Can Whole Plum Tomatoes, Preferably San Marzano
1/4 Cup Chopped Celery
1 Large Sweet Onion, chopped
2 Bay Leaves
1/4 Cup Light Cream
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
4 Large Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
Hot Prepared Egg Noodles
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Chopped Flat Leaf Italian Parsley

Directions:
After really bad day, heat butter and olive oil in in large saute pan over medium heat until butter is melted.  Raise heat to medium high. Add meat, salt, pepper and oregano. Brown meat, add onion, garlic and celery and cook until onion is almost translucent. Add wine, tomatoes and bay leaves. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes. Add cream and Parmesan and simmer an additional 5 minutes.  Remove from heat. Stir in basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve over egg noodles topped with plenty of Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with parsley. If carb-a-phobic, omit noodles. AAaaaaahhhh!!!!

The Story
“This recipe is pure comfort food to me. I vary the ingredients with whatever types of canned tomatoes and pasta that I have around, usually whatever has been on sale in the previous weeks. When I’m feeling on the heavy side I omit the pasta and pretend the cream and cheese are my friends. It is guaranteed to make me feel better when I need comfort food, every time. If this recipe doesn’t win the Silver Palate Cookbook that I’ve wanted for twenty years (I don’t have the original either), I will have some. With pasta. And extra cheese.

Thank you to everyone who entered, and watch for the March Recipe Contest: Recipes for Celebrations