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It's only been like 3-4 weeks but it felt like I'd been away for months. I would like to apologize for disappearing a few weeks but I'd been busy with the visa application to Netherlands and I had 2 books to finish.
I started reading the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins near the end of last month, just a few pages here and there when I had the free time at home, in between work and baking and by the end of the first book, I was completely HOOKED. I fell in love with the characters, strong and brave Katniss Everdeen and the sweet selfless boy with the bread, Peeta Mellark. I knew I had to continue reading the 2nd and 3rd books or I was never going to get any sleep at night, always wondering about what will happen next. I finally finished the last of the trilogy, Mockingjay.
For those of you who haven't read the books, I highly recommend it. It talks about survival, love, war and standing up for what you think is right. A country in what used to be America, now called Panem, surrounded by 12 districts where each year, a male and a female tribute from each district from ages 12-18 is selected to be put in an arena to fight to the death as a reminder of the rebellion and war the 12 Districts lost several years ago. There can only be one victor.
A lot of people compare it to Twilight because of the love triangle by the main characters but trust me, it's NOTHING like Twilight and the storyline is FAAAR BETTER. The movie, which is still playing in the theaters, was good but it really does not compare to the book. So the next time you hit the bookstores, you might want to get hold a copy of The Hunger Games trilogy.
In the meantime, here's a little something to make up for my absence. Ghirardelli makes the best boxed brownies EVER!
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| These brownies are SO GOOD! |
TRIPLE CHOCOLATE FUDGE BROWNIES
1 box Ghirardelli Ultimate Fudge Brownies with mini chocolate chips (510 g / 18 oz)
1/3 cup canola oil
1 egg
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Fudge Packet (from the boxed brownie mix)
120g bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup heavy cream
Dark Sweet Chocolate, grated for topping
Preheat the oven to 325F.
Line an 8x8 inch metal baking pan with non-stick baking paper.
Stir the oil, egg and water in a bowl. Add the brownie mix and stir until well blended. Fold in the mini chocolate chips. Spread in the baking pan.
Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick insert in the center comes out ALMOST clean with a few crumbs sticking to it. Cool brownies before frosting.
FUDGE FROSTING
Melt the chocolate with the cream on a double boiler. Add the fudge sauce from the brownie mix and stir until smooth and silky. Spread the frosting on top of the cooled brownies. Chill the brownies for at least an hour. Grate some chocolate on top before cutting into desired slices.
It might be best to cut into small slices as this is very rich and sweet.
Now this will definitely satisfy that craving for chocolate...
