Rich Decadent Cocoa Brownies


I somehow ended up with 3 open containers of cocoa in my pantry and I was looking for a recipe to use up some of it. I found a brownie recipe at Epecurious.com that looked interesting and I did a little fiddling. (I’ll bet you’re not surprised.) The result is rich, decadent cocoa brownies that will satisfy anyone’s chocolate craving.

Rich, Decadent Cocoa Brownies

10 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1.      Preheat oven to 325° F. Spray an 8 inch square pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2.    In a bowl, stir together the melted butter, the white and brown sugars, and the cocoa. Add eggs one at a time and beat after each addition until eggs are well incorporated. Stir in the vanilla and salt.
3.    Add flour and stir just until the flour is incorporated. Do not over beat. Stir in walnuts. Batter will thick.
4.    Spread batter evenly in prepared 8 inch square baking pan and bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes.

As you can see in the pictures, I’ve drizzled my brownies with store bought caramel sauce, but these brownies would also be great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. (They’re also delicious all on their own. Just ask my husband, who got up in the middle of the night for several more chocolaty, delectable squares.)

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Fresh Pink Lemonade #Recipe


 It’s hot here on the east coast of the USA. One of my favorite ways to cool off in the summertime is to make a pitcher of fresh pink lemonade. The ingredient that puts the “pink” in this drink is cranberry juice. What are some of YOUR favorite chilled drinks for hot weather months? Leave a comment below.

Fresh Pink Lemonade

6 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/3 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice
2/3 cup cranberry juice

Add all ingredients to a large glass pitcher and stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour over glasses of ice and garnish with lemon slices. Enjoy!

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6 Ways to Stay Cool in the Summer Heat


The Northeast USA is enduring a heat wave with sweltering temperatures climbing above 100°. Here are 6 ways to stay cool in the summer heat.

1.     Block the sun. According to the Department of Energy, closing blinds and curtains can reduce the amount of heat that passes into your home by 45%.
2.     Give a squirt. Keep a spray bottle filled with water in the refrigerator. Whenever you feel overheated, give your exposed skin a thorough spritz. The chilled water is extremely cooling.
3.     Sip often and eat light. Staying hydrated in the heat is important because you lose body fluid as you perspire, so drink lots of water. And choose salads, which are easier to digest, over heavier meals, like steak, which leaves you feeling sluggish. Fruits and veggies contain more water and help keep you hydrated.
4.     Ice some rice. Fill a cotton sock with rice, tie the top of the sock in a secure knot, and place sock in the freezer. At bedtime, slip the sock of “iced rice” between your sheets and enjoy hours of cool comfort.
5.     Frigid feet. Your feet are very temperature sensitive. To cool your entire body, soak your feet in a bucket of ice water.
6.     Think cool. Relax and enjoy a book that takes place during cold weather. Beat the heat and save money at the same time by celebrating Christmas in July. I’ve marked down AN ALMOST PERFECT CHRISTMAS (regularly $3.99) and GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST (regularly $2.99) to 99¢ each. These stories are sure to touch your heart and make you feel cool as a cucumber! 

How do YOU beat the sizzling summer heat? Please leave a comment below.