Recession Brownies

I get a lot of pleasure out of baking; I know it’s therapeutic and allows me to reconnect to my nurturing spirit. I know I have a passion for baking and for chocolate and when I combine the two; things are alright in the world again. I’ve decided to add a post today in connection with the economy and the negative effects that it’s having in my life.

I went for, what I thought was my first day of training,” with a bank here in Atlanta through a staffing agency (we won’t divulge their name at this point), I arrived at least 20 minutes early and when I went to get checked in I was advised that the training had been cancelled.

I was in complete shock of this news and at first didn’t quite know how to process it emotionally. Normally, I’m able to shake off negativity after spiritual guidance and speaking with a friend, for some reason this time it just wasn’t quite helping with me processing the events of the negativity I’d experienced at the mercy of the staffing agency.

So, since the first two strategies didn’t help I decided on a third and that is to combine my chocolate passion with my baking passion and mix up some brownies.

I had a box of brownie mix in the cupboard (kept at all times, just for this type of emergency). Having them in the pantry just in case the need comes to sooth the savage beast…lol!!!

I’ve prepared my brownies and just the smell is lifting my spirit.

However, here’s another reason to have brownies on hand:
Why Your Heart Loves Hershey’s

Something about eating chocolate . . . it has such an instant feel-good effect. And it turns out there’s a reason to feel good.

Research suggests that special antioxidants in cocoa may play a role in keeping blood pressure low.

Sweet Truths About Chocolate
Cocoa flavonoids help to widen and relax blood vessels and may activate an enzyme that helps lower blood pressure, too. But remember to be calorie wise: A little bit of chocolate goes a long way. And dark chocolate is best. Just in case you need a few more reasons to eat chocolate, here’s more good stuff:
Chocolate can smooth your skin. Find out how a daily dose of cocoa can make skin better hydrated and less sun sensitive.
Chocolate makes you happy. It’s not just your imagination. Find out what makes chocolate a good-mood food.

Mmmmm…the brownies are calling my name…I’ll see ya!

Cover a cake with Fondant Cake video

In The Kitchen – Fondant Cake
Uploaded by Sacramento_Bee

Mise en place

My goal is for you to have an enriching experience when you visit us at In the Kitchen, Soulfood for Comfort. We like to mix it up to provide a fun, an informed, divers and enriched experience.

As of today, I’m introducing French cuisine on the blog to enhance your cooking experience. While watching the PBS channel, I enjoyed a delicious recipe prepared by Executive Chef: Hilary White. While cooking she a  delicious looking meal she also referred to “ mise en place” , now my French is a bit rusty to say the lease so I went in seach of the meaning which is “to put in place”.

To put in place is to have all ingredients ready before beginning (gathered, clean and chop any vegetables that need it, apportion out your spices, trim and slice any meat, etc.) Have everything measured and ready to be used in separate bowls or cups (or combined if the ingredients are being cooked at the same time).  As she sautéed the chicken she advised not to wait but have preprations finished in advance.

When cooking I find myself feeling overwhelmed and rushed, sometimes even over cooking my meat while I preparing the other ingredients for the meal, this technique of “mise en place” opens up will help to enhance my cooking to be a better cook.

You’ll benefit by “mise en place” when:
Children are helping
Trying a new recipe
Assuring you have all the ingredients
Won’t overcook food
Modifications
Learning for children
When cooking, make sure you give yourself enough time to have meals ready.

This post in honor of President Obama and the First Lady’s visit to France.

Mc Lyte’s Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese

I ran across this delicious recipe and decided to add it to my cookbook collection and share it.

Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese
serving 8-10

1 1b. Macaroni Noodles

1/2 stick of butter
5 med. eggs
1 small carton of heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. sugar
pinch salt
1-16 oz bag, Mesican style cheese (reserve some)

Mix well, layer with cheese

Bake: 350 for 25 min.