the countdown

We often begin the summer with a countdown.  How many more days before school is out?   How many more workdays before time off to venture as a family…to the cottage, to the beach, to see family, to the zoo…or just time off to rejuvenate.

Little things are counted too…how many clouds do you see in the sky?  How many ice cream scoops? How many bites does it really take to eat those "two bite" brownies?

Then you feel the turn in the weather.  Things start to get a little cooler in the morning.  There is a different stillness in the air as we start to shift back to preparing for schedules.  It’s another countdown…usually a mixed feeling of anticipation for a new season, but also wanting just one more week, one more day to not have to plan…a more sentimental feeling.

When dusk sets in, and I feel the air get cooler…I know I will once again, have that jittery butterfly feeling as I simultaneously think about the path ahead of us, while reminiscing  about all the quiet (and not so quiet) magical moments spent with loved ones....

…and count my blessings.

Two Bite Brownie Smiles

 
Ingredients
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup icing sugar (for coating)

Preparation
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat.
2. Cream the butter, sugar and vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time and beat until smooth.
3. Combine the flour, baking powder, cocoa and salt, and slowly mix into the creamed butter mixture.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or place in the freezer for 1 hour to firm up the brownie.
5. Spread the icing sugar on a plate. Shape the dough in approx. 1 tablespoon sized balls and coat with icing sugar, shaking to remove any excess sugar. Place on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cracks in the brownies will appear like smiles, from the icing sugar! 


Let cool or serve warm.  Smile.

{This post is linked to Homemaker on a Dime}