Congo Bars

Umm yes, that is me in the purple sweater and yes, that is Bakerella!  I know, I can hardly believe it myself... I got to sit next to her!  Oh my gosh.  She even signed my Cake Pops book!  Oh my gosh.  

Turns out, she not only rocks at making amazing sweet treats - she's even a sweet gal in person.  

So this week I decided, in honor of finally meeting Bakerella in person, I would indulge in one of her very own recipes.  Congo Bars to be exact.  It's kind of like combining a brownie with a cookie and then taking the level of amazing x10

Here's my rendition of Bakerella's Congo Bars...

Congo Bars

2 3/4 c. flour

2 1/2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. salt 

4 T. cocoa powder 

2/3 c. butter (softened) 

1 lb. light brown sugar

3 eggs

1 t. vanilla

11.5 oz. package chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate chunks)

Powdered sugar for garnishing

1.) Prepare a 13x9 inch pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  

2.) Mix flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa powder in a large bowl. Set aside.

2.) In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

3.) Add room-temperature eggs, one at a time to sugar mixture.  

4.) Add vanilla and continue to blend on low.

5.) On low, add flour and mix only until combined.

6.) Stir in chocolate chips.  Spread batter into pan.  

7.) Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.  

8.) Sprinkle with powdered sugar.  

Happy Baking!

Lemon Love Notes

Happy Memorial Day!

It is HOT out today, which is partly why I abandoned my plans of making a red, white and blue dessert (I will make this for the Fourth of July holiday instead) and opted for something a little more refreshing - Lemon Love Notes!

Although this dessert does not represent the colors of our flag, it is yellow; and yellow is the color of the yellow awareness ribbon meaning "Armed forces return". Since Memorial Day exists as a day to honor those who have died while serving this country, I feel it is fitting that while we are honoring those lost, it is also fitting to honor those currently serving and to hope that they return safely.

If you love lemon, you will love these. If you love coconut you will love these. Aaand, since I know there are soo many of you who do not like coconut... I have a version of these summer delights that even you will love!! Everyone happy now?

Lemon Love Notes

Ingredients:

1-3/4 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter

3 cup confectioners sugar

1 egg

1-1/3 cup coconut*

1 tablespoon grated lemon peel ...or... 2-1/2 teaspoons lemon concentrate

1/4 cup lemon concentrate

3 drops yellow food coloring (optional)

*This recipe is very tasty without coconut too, so feel free to leave this ingredient out - no substitutions or modifications need to be made if you omit the coconut.

How-To:

(Base)

1. Grease one 8x10 inch pan and preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Beat in a bowl: salt, butter, and 1 cup sugar.

3. Add egg to butter mixture, then add flour.

4. Stir in 1 cup coconut and 1 tablespoon lemon peel (or 2-1/2 teaspoons concentrate).

5. Spread on pan, bake 30-35 minutes (until golden brown).

(Glaze)

1. Beat together: 2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup lemon concentrate, and food dye (optional).

2. Spread sugar and lemon mixture on top, then sprinkle 1/3 cup coconut on top of glaze.

3. Cool completely. Enjoy!