Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 01/25/2008 09:42 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 01/27/2008 10:17 AM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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"Everyday Chocolate Brownies"~By Jenny Baxter of Jenny's Kitchen
Greetings from San Diego...Looking down upon the faded green tops of the swaying palm trees set against the deep blue ocean, the sunlight dancing on the crest of the rolling waves my plane rapidly descending over the fleet of gigantic white cruise ships with their colorful flags flying in the midmorning breeze, as some were embarking on their ventures at sea being escorted by tug boats, my excitement increasing as each object became larger and larger until I finally felt the wheels hit the runway....
As the taxi pulled into the front of the magnificent Manchester Grand Hotel, which would be our home for the next three days, Kerry, Kerry’s Sweet Decadence wheat and gluten free products, and I were bursting with anticipation of what this trip would bring our way.
And grand it was! As we stepped onto the multi-colored geometric patterned marble floor our eyes were drawn to the massive mahogany arches and pillar that outlined each area set amongst the 20 foot tall paintings hanging against the antique architecture.
After being escorted to our room on the 25 floor and doing some minor unpacking it was time to walk the streets of this beautiful seaport city.
Dining in the Gaslamp District, we lunched outside under umbrella shaded tables and let the warm sun caress our faces. I ordered a fresh yellow and red beet salad with baked goat cheese in citrus vinaigrette and Kerry ordered skewered Prime Rib slices on Broiche with homemade potato chips. Waltzing in and out of the avenue lined boutiques we came back to our room our arms laden with designer shopping bags full of clothing, bath products and jewelry.
Now I am sure you are thinking this was a pleasure trip, but we were actually attending the Fancy Food Show which began the next day.
The show consisted of 80,000 specialty foods and beverages from around the world represented by 40 countries and 325 international companies. Eating our way around the San Diego Convention Center sampling, chocolates, proscuitto, salami, hams, Belgium chocolates, cheeses, American chocolates, beers, dark chocolates, cookies, bittersweet chocolates, wines, milk chocolates, olive oils, Swedish chocolates, champagnes, chocolate beans, mustards, chocolate beans dipped in chocolate, fish, 70% cocoa chocolates, Pacific Rim, Italian, German, and Polish cuisine, Godiva chocolates, breads, Neu Haus chocolates, crackers, mint chocolates, organic foods, and the latest “hot” food items and walking until I had blisters on my feet, we determined it was time to call it a day!
I needed to exercise so off to the pool I went. Set in Mediterranean style gardens atop the fourth floor, and as I began swimming westward I gazed at the setting golden globe shining through the gray cement pillar railing which painted the white wispy clouds in shades of brilliant pink to pale lilac, I began counting each lap. Swimming east I was surrounded with skyscrapers of varying heights, their rooflines outlined with red, blue or green lights. Closing my eyes I could hear the soft Native American flute music piped throughout the courtyard. And the best part was that I was the only one swimming in the pool!
After a light dinner we decided on a nightcap. It was easy to make the choice between the three lounges. We rode the elevator to the 40th floor and were treated to a 360 degree view of this stunning city all aglow with the night lights that appeared as diamonds set against the ebony sky.
This southern California town has so much to offer. The San Diego Zoo, the Cultural Arts Center, Seaworld Aquatic Park, Balboa Park, museums, tours of the Midway, America’s longest serving aircraft carrier, Coronado Island with its white sandy beaches and distinguished Hotel Del Coronado, known as the Del, and let’s not forget the northern San Diego coastal town of La Jolla Spanish for “The Jewel” to name a few.
And before we knew it, it was time to return home. But as Kerry announced as we left, “Jenny, I do believe that chocolate is not a food, but a way of life,” I knew exactly what recipe I would share with you in his column.
Everyday Chocolate Brownies
½ lb. chocolate chips
1 cube butter
3 Tablespoons liqueur (you know that I use Bailey’s if you read my last column)
¼ cup flour
¾ cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup walnuts
In the top of a double boiler place the butter, chocolate and liqueur. Cook until the chocolate is melted. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool. Keep It Sensuously Simple (a food tip from Jenny) Once you remove the pan from the heat place it is a large bowl of ice. Stir for a few seconds and the chocolate will be room temperature.
In the bowl of a mixer beat the eggs and sugar until well combined. Add the flour and mix again. Add the chocolate and blend. Add the nuts and gently blend.
Bake 375 degrees for 20 minutes in a greased parchment lined square pan. When the brownies have cooled lift them out by the parchment paper handles and cut into squares. Makes 9
Well, its thyme to go.
Jenny Baxter
Jenny’s Kitchen
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