Fat Tuesday

This food network truffle brownie recipe is megasimple. I enjoy watching the food network and this is one of the few recipes that I’ve actually tried to make after seeing it on TV.  I’m not much of a baker, but these brownies turn out every time! It’s extremely dense and rich. The recipes says it makes 8 servings, but I recommend cutting it into at least 12 pieces.  Even 1/12 is almost too rich for me.    
Brownie ingredients: Sugar, flour, vanilla, margarine, salt, eggs, chocolate 
Ganache ingredients: heavy cream and chocolate chips
 
In a mixing bowl add two eggs and 1/2 tsp. salt.
 
Use a mixer and beat until…
 
frothy.

Add 1c. of sugar.

Beat until…

thick and pale yellow. (2-3minutes)
Add 1T. of pure vanilla extract and beat for 30 more seconds. 
Add 1 stick of margarine and…

3 ounces of chopped unsweetened chocolate

to a microwave save bowl and heat for 1 minute.
Stir until smooth.
With the mixer running, add chocolate to egg mixture.
Add 1/2c. of all purpose flour and mix for 1 minute.  Scrape sides and beat for 30 more seconds.
Pour in a greased round foil pan.
Bake in oven, on top rack, at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until center is barely set.  I cook my for 17 minutes.  The center will be soft to the touch and a toothpick check will be gooey. 
Remove from the oven and let cool. 
While brownies cool make the ganache.  Add 1/4 c. of heavy cream and 1/2 c. of chocolate chips.  Microwave for 1 minute.
Whisk until creamy and smooth.
Spread over brownies and place in freezer for 1 hour.
Remove from foil pan and cut while cold.  Let brownies come to room temperature before serving.  Find a printable version of the recipe here.  I like to eat them with a little homemade raspberry jam and some whip cream on the side.

Stella Leona Artisan Chocolates

Tonight we had a visit from our friend and chocolatier, Nancy Bontrager. She delivered an amazing gift basket that included a variety of her finest creations.   Nancy is the founder of Stella Leona Artisan Chocolates, located in Pettisville, Ohio. We’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Nancy and her family over the past couple of years. 

Her storefront and artisan chocolates are characteristic of those you’d expect to find in a big city, but encompass the charm of both Nancy and the village where they are created.  It’s a tiny little escape; a real midwestern treasure. 

Through Nancy we’ve experienced chocolate in a brand new way and have developed an appreciation for the process and artistry from which her artisan chocolates are created.  It really is an experience. I thought I didn’t like dark chocolate, but after trying Stella Leona, one of my favorite pieces is the handpainted Raspberry Dark Chocolate.  You should stop by her shop and check things out for yourself.  She is located at 362 Main St., Pettisville, Ohio.  She is currently closed for a holiday break, but will reopen Jan. 6th.