Roasted Cherry Dark Chocolate Brownies

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Roasted Cherry Dark Chocolate Brownies

Roasted Cherry Bittersweet Brownies

Inspiration can arrive without a moment's notice. Like a lighting bolt illuminating the sky and racing towards the ground, inspiration strikes equally. When I am inspired with a new and unique idea, it hits like a punch to the gut, all-encompassing and demanding attention. True inspiration isn't just a light bulb switching on above your head. It is too powerful. If true inspiration struck, the light bulb would burst into a fireworks display that would light up the night sky.

These brownies were my inspiration.

Roasted Cherry Bittersweet Brownies

Rarely am I struck out of the blue with unique and delicious ideas. Chances are you've already eaten most of the recipes I feature on this blog, or a variation thereof. You may not have set out to make them yourself, but I find that it's hard to surprise people with a new take on an old recipe or idea. That's not to say I certainly don't try to keep you on your toes and surprise you once in awhile. I'm just saying it's difficult to re-invent the chocolate chip cookie.

When I got the idea for these brownies, I immediately went to the internet to see if it had been done before and with any luck. There are recipes for dark chocolate brownies, brownies with dried cherries, and brownies with cherry preserves. Combining cherry and dark chocolate certainly isn't a new idea, but no one, as far as I can tell, has ever put roasted cherries in a brownie and decided to share the tale.

Let me tell you, this needs to be remedied as soon as possible.

Roasted Cherry Bittersweet Brownies

Roasted Cherry Dark Chocolate Brownies are like brownies sent down from the dessert gods themselves. The dark chocolate base of these brownies is so unbelievably moist and decadent. As soon as the brownie hits your tongue, it melts into a gooey, chocolaty mess that sticks to the roof of your mouth like a spoonful of peanut butter. When combined with the rich sweetness of caramelized roasted cherries (like in this ice cream), you might feel tears come to your eyes. These really are that good. I would never lie to you about something so serious as a good, quality dessert. These are the best brownies I have ever eaten (and I've eaten some good ones).

No one in my house can get these brownies off of their minds and, several times a day, someone will sneak up with a fork to subtly steal a bite (or ten). You will want a tall glass of milk with these. Oh, and another brownie.

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Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade

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Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade

There comes a day in every baker's life where absolutely nothing will go right. And I mean nothing. Perhaps it is the great Butter and Sugar god's way of telling you that you've had enough good fortune and it is time to share it with someone else. More likely, though, they look down at you from the marshmallow clouds and loathe you for your ability to make sweet treats so much that they curse you with bitter misfortune

This happened to me last Wednesday. It was a day so bad I can scarcely speak of it now, 4 days later. My mother told me this is one of those days I'm going to laugh about someday.

She's wrong.

Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade

Last Wednesday also happened to be my first blogiversay. I was supposed to be celebrating my love for pastry and heavy cream, but instead I spent most of it in meltdown mode, in tears over spilled cake. A little ironic, yes, but, as any food blogger would tell you, sometimes that's just how it goes.

I had originally set out to create a very elaborate meringue cake for you to celebrate one year of blogging. I prepped everything the night before and set out to assemble it in the morning. It was gorgeous. Stunning. Delicious. As I was wiping the last bit of stray chocolate from the cake stand to take photographs, it happened. The entire cake stand toppled over. I don't know how. I don't know why. I managed to catch the stand before it hit the table, but it was too late. The meringue collapsed, the layers slid, and 1/3 of the cake was sitting on the table.

A few choice words were said.

I was upset. It was my blogiversary. I needed to share something with you! It wouldn't be a blogiversary without cake!

In my stubborn fit of rage, I got in the car, drove to the nearest kitchen store, and bought myself a new cake stand. I went to the grocery store and bought more ingredients. Then I went back home and I spent the next four hours baking that damn cake. Again.

As I was assembling it, the bottom layer collapsed on one side. I sucked in my breath and tried to fix it up the best I could. It would have to do. After getting everything in place for the second time, I stood back to admire my work.

You won't believe what happened next. I still don't believe what happened next. What happened next isn't even physically possible.

Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade

The cake started melting.

It had become the Virgin Mary of cakes; I didn't even need to cry because my cake was crying tears of frustration for me. Sad, clear tears ran themselves down the sides of the cake. They pooled in the bottom of the cake stand, creating a puddle of misery. The layers weeped themselves right off the cake.

To put it simply, I had a meltdown. It wasn't pretty. Over $40 of cake was lying on the table or dripping onto the floor. My kitchen was an absolute disaster. And I still didn't have anything to share with you.

I had another four failed desserts that day. You can call me persistent. You can admire my determination. But, as it so happens, I just don't know when to throw in the towel. If there was any doubt before, you now know that I am undeniably not immune to (multiple) kitchen failures.

Sigh.

So it goes.

In this case, I think it's safe to say that when life give you lemons... make lemonade.

Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade

This strawberry rhubarb lemonade, however, is definitely not a kitchen failure. It is so light, intense, and unbelievably fruity. I had to stop myself from drinking the entire two quarts in one sitting. The strawberry notes in this lemonade really stand out. The sweetness of the strawberries is cut by the tartness of the rhubarb, creating this wonderful blend of flavors. This lemonade is such a bright, bold color that you just might find it difficult to look away. This is a drink you don't want to miss.

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Blogiversary & A Giveaway!

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tapioca pearls

Today marks my first blogiversay! Happy Birthday, blog! I honestly can't believe it. I've shared so many recipes and stories with you over the past year. When I first started blogging, I didn't know what I was getting myself into, where I was headed, or, really, what I was doing. I had no idea my tiny food blog would grow so much or reach thousands of people every day. Thousands! I still can't believe it.

I remember the first time someone commented on my blog, but I remember the first time someone I didn't know commented much more. How did this person find me? Where did she come from? But, more importantly, will there be more?

This first year of blogging has been one of trial and error. It was about learning. Learning how to blog, how to write recipes, finding my voice, and trying to make food look good. I can only wonder what the next year will bring. I hope you stay tuned to find out! But until then, these photos are here to give you a little hint at what is coming next.

Thank you for being such great followers. You continually inspire me to keep writing and find new and interesting things to bake. I don't know what I'd do without you!

big straws

In celebration of this special day, I want to host a giveaway! I've recently been very interested in vintage clothing and kitchen supplies and try to hunt them down whenever I can. I like the old fashioned feel of vintage items. Certainly they've been used, but they've also been loved. They are worn, yes, but worn well. I like to imagine the history behind them, and the journey they've been on to reach me.

In the last couple weeks, I've spotted many vintage aprons around town. I love a good apron (even if I do have trouble remembering to put one on before covering my clothes in flour). I think you might, too. The blue, lacy, flowered apron comes to you from Traveling Trunk, this fantastic little vintage shop selling a little bit of everything (if you're ever near Bismarck/Mandan, ND, make a stop!). The pink umbrella apron was a find at an antique store and it was so beautiful (and in such perfect condition) that I couldn't pass it up.

vintage apronvintage umbrella apron

Since I already own my fair share of aprons (I've run out of room in the closet), I thought I would share these with you. Whether you're a new follower or one who has stood by me since the beginning, I can't tell you how much I love having you around. Your comments and thoughts are such a bright spot in my day.

To win one of these aprons (and maybe a little something extra), simply leave a comment below and tell me what you love about this blog and what you'd like to see more of in the future. Make sure to include your email address when leaving a comment so I can get ahold of you! The contest will end on Saturday, May 28th at 11 pm (cst) and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter. Good luck!

Edit: The contest is closed and the winners have been chosen.