TWD: Chewy, Chunky Blondies

Hands down, this is one of my favorite recipes from the book. I've made these numerous times. The first time I followed the recipe as written, then I veered off course and I never looked back.

I lent my cookbook to a friend before I joined the TWD book. She had it for about two weeks. She wrote her notes on Post-its and left them on the pages of the recipes she had baked. On the page with this recipe, the note says, "Perfect. Imade these twice."

This version was without coconut. I truly don't feel that it adds all that much. Plus, I don't like it. This is a simple bar cookie. It comes together very easily. The only trick is the baking time. This batch baked for 25 extra minutes, and the bars were just the way I like them, moist and very chewy. I used cappuccino chips, chocolate chips, and toasted almonds for this batch. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Here's a bit of a close up. The top crust did separate from the rest of the bars a bit. It was a nice contrast to the chewy of the interior.

Here's the whole batch ready to go to a friend's house. They did not last long.

Thank you, Nicole, of Cookies on Friday for letting me re-live this deliciousness.

TWD: Lots of Ways Banana Cake, but I didn't make it

I have a great recipe for banana bread. One that I love. It's just sweet enough to work as cake if needed, but also just the right texture for a lovely quick bread. And I have a great banana chocolate chip cake recipe. So I skipped this week.

Here's a link to my BCCC. It's my absolute go-to when I need a cake for almost any reason.

My absolute favorite banana bread is from King Arthur. I buy these things called Flav-R-Bites. They look slightly like rabbit pellets. They are a great addition to many baked goods. One of my favorites is their banana bread. Hmmm. I think I'll have to make it this week and post about it.

Anyway, so that's why I didn't bake Dorie's recipe. I'm sorry Kimberly (of Only Creative Opportunities) for not baking along. I know I'm baking along next week because I've already done so.

TWD: Brrrrr-ownies

I've often stated my thoughts on brownies. (Every time we bake them, actually) I was going to skip this one, but the girl loves chocolate and mint, so I baked.

This is essentially a lovely chocolate brownie with lots of peppermint patties thrown in for good measure. It was easy to put together. I melted the chocolates and butter in the microwave and then stirred everything else intothe bowl. It was pretty darn easy. I mixed in a bunch of the chopped up patties, and I saved some to throw on top. I didn't realized until after I greased the pan that it was 9 x 9 and not 8 x 8. Ah well. I cut down on the baking time. Don't think I cut down enough.

The taste was really good. I liked the bittersweet chocolate with the sweetness of the mint candies. The edges had a dry texture, though. The middle pieces were much better. If requested, I would make these again.

Here's the whole pan just out of the oven. I kinda like the way the candy looks.

Thanks, Karen of Our Crazy Blessed Life for this week's pick.

TWD: Tarte Noire

Whew! Just got in under the Tuesday deadline. This one was rich, creamy, and totally simple.

Here's what made it simple: I had two 4" tart crusts already baked and hanging out in my freezer. They were chocolate, so that added to the super richness of this dish.

I picked out some of my favorite Lindt Intense Orange chocolate. Yum! I made 1/4 of the recipe for the two tart shells. Here's how I know this is a very versatile recipe. I had no heavy cream for the ganache. I used what I had. I'm almost embarrassed to say it. I used fat free half and half. There. I said it. You heat the cream. Pour it over the chocolate. Add the butter. And then put the whole thing in the fridge. Dead easy.

It certainly didn't set up as well as it would have if I had used heavy cream. It was much creamier - more like a pudding. Still, the flavor was excellent.

Pardon the lousy photos. We were out of natural light. No real sheen on the tart. Ah well.

The slight lumps are the almond slivers in the chocolate.

I would absolutely make this again.

Thanks Dharmagirl for choosing this one!