An Explanation & Apology

I thought I owed this to you guys since I haven't posted since- what?- June? Ugh. I'm really sorry. Trust me. I am.

It's just that lately I haven't been motivated to create recipes, write blog posts, or do anything remotely related to blogging. I haven't even felt like working on my novel! *gasp!* I think there are several reasons why this could be. And they aren't excuses. In fact, they're the farthest things from excuses you can get.

Over the past couple months I've been struggling with anxiety/stress. It's gotten so bad that my stomach problems have started to return, plus some new unwelcome symptoms. I'm starting a new school in about two weeks, so I believe this is causing most of the anxiety. The funny thing is, the last time I switched schools the same thing happened- upset stomach, nausea, anxiousness, etc. So I have a feeling my physical problems are caused by self-inflicted stress more than anything else. My anxiety has taken over my life to the extent that it's affected the things I love to do most, which include, blogging, creating recipes, and creative writing. This is not good! But I'm not quite sure what to do about. Hopefully it'll go away once school starts.

The second reason I haven't felt like posting is that I'm not getting much feedback from you guys. As the author of the post, I want to know if you enjoyed the post, any thoughts you have, what else you might like to see from me, or basically just anything you have to say. I love hearing from you all! It gets a little lonely when you're just posting your thoughts out into the interweb without any sort of response. Like shouting down into the Grand Canyon expecting someone else to shout back, but all you hear is your own echo. It also seems kind of pointless for me to keep writing and creating these posts when no one appears to be paying any attention to them at all. I apologize about how whiny and childish this sounds, but it's just what I've been feeling.

Now to the apology.

I'm not happy that I haven't blogged in three weeks. Actually, I feel really guilty about it. So I think the best thing to do would be to apologize. I'm really sorry that I haven't blogged in so long. Hopefully once I get this anxiety under control and school starts I'll be able to do a little more blogging. And hopefully my energy for the things I love to do will be renewed and we can start fresh. Yup. I think that sounds good.

But for now I'm taking a break. I'll get back in the kitchen, spend some time thinking up posts, work on my food photography skills and just start pulling myself back together. Until then, enjoy the rest of your summer and keep eating chocolate! ;)

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Favorite Green Smoothie

Green smoothies are kinda scary when you first start out. They can end up tasting like crap or like the best, most delicious and satisfying smoothie you've ever had. Plus, sometimes they turn out an ugly green color that could be the equivalent of pond scum. Not the most appetizing thing the world...

But luckily for you, mine turned out a little pretty than that. Not much, though. However, don't let that deter you from trying this smoothie. It is literally the best green smoothie I've ever made or had. It's sweet, creamy, full of flavor and nutrients.

I actually based this smoothie off of the one from Sally's Baking Addiction. I've been a little obsessed with her blog lately if you couldn't tell already. She's so creative and her recipes look and taste amazing. You should really go check her out.

Anyways, when I set out to make her detox smoothie I didn't have a few of the ingredients on hand. So I did a bit of improvising (read: a LOT of improvising) and came up with this beauty, which is one of my favorite smoothies in the world second to this one. So it's definitely worth trying. It also helps that you can get half a days worth of calcium, over 300% of a days worth of vitamin C, iron, and about 60% of a days worth of

vitamin A. You're not only making something that tastes great, you're making something that can boost your immune system and improve your overall health.

Win win! :D

1/2 c. apple juice
1/2 c. unsweetened almond milk
1/2 c. Greek yogurt
1 c. frozen pineapple
3-4 large frozen strawberries
1/2 banana
1 c. spinach, packed
2 T. flax seed

1. Add all ingredients to the blender in the order they are listed.
2. Blend and enjoy!

Question of the Day:

What's the worst green smoothie you've ever had?

I've had one once where I put peanut butter and spinach in the smoothie. Let's just say it wasn't very tasty...

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Fudgy Flourless Brownies with Cookie Dough Frosting

To borrow the words from Sally's Baking Addiction, "Step aside bikini."

I'm 100% serious about this. These brownies are the epitome of brownie baking. Dense, rich, chocolate-y, with not a dry crumb to be seen. That's how a brownie should be. Not cake-y, or dry, or anything less than fudge-like. You're going to want to eat more than just one. And that's not even with the cookie dough frosting on top.

Really, we all should be thanking Tara Baker from A Baking Life for this marvelous recipe. They are the best brownies I've had, gluten free or not, and they're super easy. Plus, as she mentions, very forgiving. Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or topped with caramel. Or even just by themselves. I literally dream about these things.

The cookie dough frosting really takes this dessert over the edge. I am a huge fan of cream cheese frosting, so naturally that was what I chose for the base of this frosting recipe. It has the thickness and flavor of cookie dough, while still maintaining a light frosting-esque (yes, I just made that a word) texture and keeps a bit of the tang from the cream cheese. No sugary butter cream frosting here. You really could just eat this with a spoon if you wanted. ;)

While the brownie and cookie dough frosting are great on their own, together they are possibly the best thing I've ever put in my mouth. (Well, besides hot Do-Rite gluten free donuts or this pie.)  It is the chocolate lovers dream dessert.  The light frosting complements the rich brownie wonderfully and the flavors really meld together perfectly.

Are you drowning in drool and chocolate/cookie dough dreams yet? ;)


Brownie Recipe:

225 grams semi-sweet chocolate (basically one bar of baking chocolate)
28 grams butter or coconut oil
100 grams granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. baking powder
pinch salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place 11 baking cups on a baking sheet.
2. Melt chocolate and butter in a double broiler or in the microwave. If melting in the microwave, stir every minute or so.
3. While your chocolate is melting, whip your eggs and sugar together to ribbon stage (or until they're very thick and pale) using a hand or stand mixer.
4. With mixer on low speed, pour in the chocolate mixture and mix until completely incorporated.
5. Add the baking powder and salt and mix until combined.
6. Scoop 2 T. of brownie mixture into each baking cup.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes.

Cookie Dough Frosting Recipe:

4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 T. butter, softened
1/2 c. brown sugar or coconut sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. almond extract (optional, but highly recommended)
1 T. coconut flour
1/2 T. almond milk or other milk of choice
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips

1. Cream cream cheese and butter together.
2. Add brown sugar, vanilla, and coconut flour and beat together.
3. Add milk and beat until smooth.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Put in the fridge for about 15 min to thicken up.

Assembly:

1. Once brownies are cool, add a heaping teaspoon of frosting onto each brownie.
2. You can spread the frosting around a little bit or leave it to give it a more cookie dough effect. You'll have some extra frosting but who ever complained about extra frosting? ;)
3. Now devour your brownies!

Question of the Day:

What's your go-to dessert recipe?

Mine is definitely brownies or ice cream sundaes. Or both. :)

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