Look who is feeling better!
In the kitchen, baking, and loving Day 1 of my spring break.
I promise, that big belly underneath the apron isn’t all from chocolate consumption.
In fact, I’m not so sure Baby Cakes even likes chocolate – my craving for it has been non-existent since month 3 of this pregnancy. But it doesn’t stop me from pouring all of my effort into baking the perfect Better-than-Boxed brownie for my scuzzband (and taste-testing all of the brownies, anyway).
Brownie E was a recipe sent to me by one of Meeker’s friends, Jessica.
brownie E is on the left, brownie F on the right
Brownie F stands for Flay because it’s Bobby Flay’s Peanut Butter Caramel Swirled Brownies sent to me by Emily from A Tasty Life.
The secret ingredient? Peanut butter caramel – which was way easier to make than it sounds.
I had high hopes for this recipe.
The results? (points are out of a possible 5)
Brownie E
| Taste | 4 |
| Texture | 2 |
| Chocolaty- ness | 2 |
Brownie F
| Taste | 3 |
| Texture | 1 |
| Chocolaty-ness | 4 |
Too gooey. That’s what was said about Flay’s brownie F. I was sorely disappointed. Mostly because they could have used 10 more minutes in the oven, and I knew that as I was pulling them out, but I was trying to follow the recipe exactly.
Next time, I’ll trust my brownie instincts.
But brownie E was pretty dang close to perfection. At least, in my book. It was easy to make, tasted divine, and when I took some over to Meeker’s family to try out – they were all very impressed. Maybe I should start having them judge this little challenge.
So, although I haven’t won yet, I’m staying optimistic.
And loving every finger-licking moment.
I wish I was your taste tester!
ah I can’t wait till you succeed!! (not that you aren’t already:) )
You are looking absolutely beautiful, cute, adorable–all of it.
And those brownies look great too!
Gah, that man is hard to please. Both of those look terrific!!
You look so cute!! and those brownies make me want them sooo bad!!
Wow – he’s very specific about how he likes his brownies eh?
I cant wait to see what brownies win, and then make them myself.
Okay completely random but how did you get the poof in the ponytail??
That’s so funny – I get that question all the time! It’s the easiest thing in the world. Just take the back section of your hair, tease it with a comb, smooth it over, then bobby pin it. Throw the rest of your hair in a pony tail and that’s it!
My mouth is watering. Bummer about Brownie F, that brownie looks and sounds out of this world!
They do sound and look delicious! You are looking great! What is your secret!!??!!
They look yummy!! I’m wanting brownies now … Could you share how to make the peanut butter caramel please?!? I’d love to try that out … mmmmm
The peanut butter caramel instructions are in the bobby flay brownie recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/cda/recipe_print/0,1946,FOOD_9936_445506_RECIPE-PRINT-FULL-PAGE-FORMATTER,00.html
good luck!
What a fun dessert challenge! Too bad my husband hates brownies or I’d join you in your pursuit of discovering the perfect better-than-boxed brownie
.
You look ADORABLE right now! Can’t wait to see your little babycake soon!
omg im with jess…i want to be your taste tester!
Yay for feeling better!
Yay for spring break!
Yay for brownies!
This looks so fun that I want to do it for my own boyfriend. Or for myself. Mostly the latter
You are TOO cute!!!
Love the pic of you baking in your kitchen!
Pretty sure Meeker just wants you to make tons of brownies! I don’t blame him!
OMG! The preppy apron, the belly, peanut butter caramel…. I need to go sit down!
So which one is in first place so far? The one from last week?
I am loving your belly – you are so close!
Brownies too gooey??? Never!
NO KIDDING, Melissa!! I take them out early on purpose.. and sometimes dream of having half-baked brownies topping my ice cream!!
how fun! the peanut butter caramel sounds divine. maybe it would taste much better after being in the oven longer?
AHHH look how cute you are!! CONGRATS! That is so exciting to have a baby on the way!!
I am jealous that your husband gets to taste test those brownies! Yum!!
-Jamie
Those look so good! the carmel brownie one looks perfect like fresh from a bakery. If I find any good recipes ill let you know.
I agree with needing a little longer in the oven – but I did think they were the richest brownies I’ve ever tasted. Sorry you were bummed. =(
the Flay brownie just looks so PRETTY. and honestly, I like brownies better undercooked. I bet they would’ve gotten an A+ from this girl!
You are so cute! Those peanut butter caramel brownies look so wonderful. I wish this kind of “throw down” was going on in my life
You look like the poster child for how to have a healthy pregnancy!!!! You look so happy and pregnant
Baby cakes is going to be here soon!!!!!
Mmmm… the peanut butter one looks delicious! And I love your apron
Katie-You are looking great. When is the baby due? I think Meeker would really love the brownie recipe in the original Moosewood Cookbook. it’s made with brown sugar and good chocolate-a bit different, but excellent. I could send it to you if you wish. I think it would be a winner.
You are so sweet! That baby is due May 3…so I have about 6 weeks left (and it can’t get here soon enough!). I would LOVE for you to send me the Moosewood recipe – my mom has that cookbook, and I trust it implicitly. Thank you for the offer!
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droooooool…………….I love brownies.. total weakness of mine. just add ice cream.
You are looking amazing!! baby cakes will be here in NO time!
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