What? Two weeks. No recipes or baked goods? I'd apologize; however, after my Aunt Carm's 100th birthday, I spent a few quality days back in Baltimore catching up with friends and former work colleagues, as well as eating and drinking in a few of my favorite spots. I had a great time and it was just what I needed to chase off these crazy winter blues that even the toughest New Englander has seemed to be suffering from! I am happy to report that, although winter is far from over, we've had some warmer temperatures and sun. Thank god.
So, to get back into the swing of things here on Sweet Mary, I knew I needed to reach out to all my single (particularly female) readers because, ugh, it's Valentine's Day. If you're at all like me, it's just another meaningless holiday driven by branding and consumerism. However, if you're at all like me, despite your tough exterior, you're reminded of some of the challenges of being single when bombarded with red hearts, cupids, flowers, and stuffed animals. Well, you're in luck, because not only do I have a great brownie recipe for you (not mine, sadly, but thanks to the folks at
Baked in NYC), but a homemade cocktail that could and should be shared with some of your very best (preferably single) friends.
Of course, I think you are all absolutely fabulous whether you are all by yo'self or coupled up with a honey...and I am not just saying that because I have tried and tested a few of my cocktails this evening. But, if you are feeling down for whatever reason, I'd say call a friend and make a few drinks, eat something sweet, watch a funny movie or sing karaoke in your living room. Just have some fun. And, although the Valentine's Day Survival Guide I've included below might be a bit too late this year, you can keep it in mind for next year and just remember, Sweet Mary is on your side
Sweet Mary's Valentine's Day Survival Guide
1. Avoid malls, drug stores...well, any stores really! Avoid them for a minimum of three plus weeks prior to Valentine's Day. All that red, cheap chocolate, and over the top cuteness is liable to make you batty. Remember, "the man" doesn't control you. You control you. It's just a day.
2. The TV can be torture. I say avoid it all together. Commercials, TV movies, dating shows, talk shows, and, heaven help us, Lifetime TV could send you deep into the darkness. Keep looking towards the light, sisters. The light doesn't come from the tube.
3. Rally any/all close friends around you (this goes for ANY time you are feeling down, not just V Day). They will consistently let you know how awesome you are and remind you of all the wonderful accomplishments you have achieved in your life. They love you. Really. Let them take care of you a little.
4. Do not, I repeat DO NOT walk down what I like to call "Bad Memory Lane." We've all been there. Your boyfriend broke up with you on Valentine's Day. Your ex-husband never did a damn thing for you on or around Valentine's Day. The only man to ever buy you jewelry was your father (or maybe that 14 yr. old kid you tutored back in the 1990's who had the crush on you). I get it, really (because those are my true stories, I swear!). Keep it in the past where it belongs, though. Forgive. Forget. Laugh about it because you know it's actually pretty funny. And, move on.
5. Do something fun. I've thrown dessert parties for single female friends and lots of silly themed movie nights. Those are just a few ideas. And, I know people who volunteer both regularly or on/around holidays. There are always people who need your services. Wouldn't it be nice to give back and give THEM a little love on/around Valentine's Day. Big deal, you're single. Don't bemoan it. Celebrate it.
Oh, and dang, these brownies are amazing. And, the cocktail, yummy. I made one with Grand Marnier instead of lemon and it was also very very good. In fact, I may have preferred it.
Brownies
*makes 9
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon good quality cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter
3/4 teaspoon instant espresso powder
5 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Heat over to 350 F. Butter and 8x8 square baking pan. Line with parchment and butter parchment.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine butter and espresso. Place over low heat and stir until the butter has melted. Add chocolate and stir constantly until chocolate has melted and is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in both sugars until well incorporated.
Add eggs and vanilla and stir until well mixed and until it no longer appears grainy. Sift the flour mix over batter and stir until just combined. Stir in chips.
Pour into prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, 28-30 minutes. Don't over bake. Let cool completely on a rack. Cut into 9 brownies.
Pomegranate Lemon Raspberry Cocktail
1.5 oz pomegranate juice
1.5 oz seltzer water or sparkling water (champagne would work, too)
1.5 oz vodka
1 tablespoon lemon juice or Grand Marnier (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
crushed ice
lemon wedge
4-5 fresh raspberries
Put all liquid ingredients and crushed ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake it up. Pour into the glass of your choice. Garnish with lemon wedge and raspberries.