Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

/
Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

At times, I can be very domestic. I spend more time in the kitchen than anyone really should. Baking, cooking, eating, I love it all. I am a part of the rare breed that actually enjoys grocery shopping. If you catch me in the right mood, I don't even mind cleaning.

But, I will never be a true domestic because I am awful at laundry.

First off, I hate laundry. I normally don't use the word "hate" but for laundry I'm making an exception. In the past, I have strategically arranged my clothing so I can go as long as humanly possible without doing laundry. My record is 5 weeks. Everything in my entire wardrobe was worn. Old shirts from high school band, free over-sized t-shirts from radio stations and organizations I know nothing about, the horribly outdated pants I bought 8 years ago that still fit so I can't justify getting rid of them—nothing is safe.

I have gone out in public looking like a far less fashionable Kelly Kapowski from Saved by the Bell. Now, that is just how much I hate laundry.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

Since ironing is an extra step in the laundry process, it's a skill I've avoided learning. I don't iron. If I happen to buy clothes that wrinkle more than a Shar Pei puppy, I wear my wrinkled clothing in stride. I try to convince the world that wrinkled dresses are the new black (though I'm not sure it's quite working).

Nevertheless, last week I tried to teach myself the art of the iron. I received a fancy (expensive) pair of shorts for my birthday, but they were wrinkled past the point where even I wouldn't consider wearing them. So, I sucked it up, took out the iron, and went to work. Well, I melted the shorts. Literally, melted a hole straight through the fabric. That definitely didn't help my loathing for laundry.

From now on, I should just stick to what I do best—baking cookies.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies are one good cookie. Even though they are made with whole wheat flour, you might not guess it when eating them. These cookies are a little heartier than your average chocolate chip cookie, with a subtle boost from oats and sliced almonds. You can optionally add a touch of orange zest to spice up the flavor (chocolate and orange will always be one of my favorite flavor combinations). The hint of orange adds a unique touch and brings something new to the classic chocolate chip cookie.

Read More

Honey Peach Bubble Tea

/
Honey Peach Bubble Tea

Honey Peach Bubble Tea

I was first introduced to bubble tea two years ago. A friend had taken me to a tea house specifically to try it after finding out I was a bubble tea virgin. You've never tried bubble tea before? What's wrong with you? I was initially very wary of it, wondering why anyone would ever want to drink tapioca pearls through a straw. Weren't tapioca pearls supposed to be reserved for puddings? Nevertheless, I gathered up my courage and ordered myself a drink.

One sip changed my mind. I suddenly wanted to put tapioca pearls in every drink imaginable. The pearls gave the bubble tea a texture that was unique and addicting.

Since then, whenever I pass a shop that sells them, I can't resist buying myself a treat. Some people are addicted to coffee shops; I'm addicted to bubble tea houses. Luckily for my bank account (and unfortunately for everyone else), bubble tea houses are nearly impossible to find in the Midwest. However, as I've shown you before, they are very easy (and cheap!) to make at home.

Honey Peach Bubble Tea

Regrettably, large tapioca pearls are one of those ingredients that are hard to find in supermarkets. You may spot them in the international aisle (very rarely the baking aisle), but, more often then not, they will elude you and your searching eyes. Luckily, bubble tea tapioca can be found in abundance at your local Asian market. If you can't find it there, or if you don't have a local Asian market, bubble tea tapioca can be found easily with a quick search on the internet.

I've also seen the large tapioca pearls substituted for small jelly candies. Bubble teas are traditionally a low calorie drink but, if you don't mind upping the sugar content just a bit, you could easily chop up some fruit snacks or gummy bears and use those in place of the tapioca pearls. It is definitely a way to play around with multiple flavors in one drink.

Though, if you're like me, you might just agree that the original is the best way to enjoy it.

Honey Peach Bubble Tea

This Honey Peach Bubble Tea is very light, refreshing, and fruity. Honey and peach are two of those flavors that were meant to be together—they complement each other well. The black tea is actually quite hidden in this drink, making it taste more like rich smoothie than a tea (all while keeping the calories down!). The tapioca pearls are perfect in a drink like this, giving it an interesting texture and a twist on the traditional beverage.

Read More

Roasted Cherry Dark Chocolate Brownies

/
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.

Read More