" The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it basically because you feel good, very good when you are near or with them," -Charles Bukowski
I've been learning a lot about myself this year, what I want from this life, what I want to achieve, my inner most desires and goals. Above all, no matter where I am or what I am doing, I want to be happy. Happiness is my number one goal. This goal, is easier to achieve than one might think. It's just a matter of setting your mind to it, opening your mind to infinite possibilities. I am not worried about successes or failures, for these moments are meant for learning and experiencing. My goal is to be happy and live comfortably with the people dearest to me. I want to surround myself with free spirits and beautiful souls.
Freeing my headspace of the fogs of life's stresses, fears, and failures and filling it with positive energy has made me want to dance and laugh and embrace happiness. I feel like writing poetry, hiking mountains, traveling to places I have never been before and learning about different cultures, different ideas. As part of the "millennials", my outlook on life has shifted. I feel that due to our access to the vast amount information at our fingertips, literally, via the internet, we want more. More than the habitual patterns of every day life. More than hours of television and potato chips. More than a 9 to 5 job.
This beautiful summer weather has allowed my loved ones and me to go for walks every day, through forest preserves and different areas in our historic neighborhood. We have been trying new foods, going to new markets. We have been reading outdoors with a comforting cup of coffee and listening to uplifting and fun music. I am so excited for many more fun summer experiences and memories and what else this beautiful life has in store.
So these brownies...I attempted making them very dark, with all unsweetened chocolate that I received as a gift. The texture came out a little too crumbly, however the flavor was fabulous, especially paired with the sea salt and cocoa nibs sprinkled on top. My suggestion is to either use all semi-sweet chips, or a combination of semi and dark chocolate chips. The cinnamon adds a very subtle touch. If you are looking for a fudgy, ever so chocolaty brownie to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this recipe is exactly what you are looking for.
Fudgy Brownies
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch, spooned and leveled
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp instant espresso powder
1/2 tsp fine salt
12 oz semisweet chocolate chips or pieces
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1) Preheat oven to 350. Lightly butter an 8-in square baking pan.
2) Whisk together cornstarch, cocoa, cinnamon, espresso powder. and salt.
3) In a large microwave safe bowl, microwave butter and chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.
3) Stir in vanilla and sugar. Stir in eggs, one at a time, until combined. Add cornstarch mixture and stir vigorously until mixture is smooth and begins to pull away from the side of the bowl, about two minutes.
4) Pour batter into pan and smooth top. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 35 minutes, rotating pan halfway through.
5) Let cool completely and cut into 16 squares.
If desired, sprinkle with sea salt and cocoa nibs for salty, sweet brownies with a bit of crunch.
Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Every Day Food magazine.
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