twd ~ Chewy Chunky Blondies

So I admit it, I can be an emotional eater.

This week, I returned from a fabulous trip to NYC and DC behind on sleep by about 250,098 hours. Even though the trip was for work, I had lots to catch up on in the office. Add on top my lady time (or whatever euphenism you favor) and I was craving something sugary, sweet, and chocolately. You can imagine how happy I was for this week's twd pick!



These blondies are essentially a bar chocolate-chip cookie with add-ins. Yes, they are as good as they sound. Mine came out more crisp than chewy. I did half the recipe and bake half of that, freezing the other half. On Saturday, I took my cat to the vet and found out he needs $2000 worth of dental work! Ouch. For him and me. He's a precious kitty I got from a no-kill shelter about five months ago, and is FIV+. But after that news, a little blondie for me and a little milk for him was in perfect order.

Thanks to Nicole of Cookies on Friday for the wonderful pick!

Froban or Ice Cream without the Cream

This is the best discovery!

Seriously creamy...cold...perfect for summer....

and all it is a ripe banana.

Those things that turn black sitting on the counter in the summer sun, and only beg a glance when they are too ripe to eat. Throw it in the freezer and then the blender and magic things happen.

That old ripe banana is reincarnated as yummy ice cream. Or something pretty darn close.

I added a handfull of frozen strawberries, and it begs for more playing around. Peaches, peanut butter, chocolate...okay, it's getting less healthy by the word but it's still a great (vegan) option.

Coconut Banana Cakes

Kimberly of Only Creative Opportunities picked an awesome recipe this week. It's Lots of Ways Banana Cake, and let's you get creative yourself.



I quartered the recipe, which made five cupcakes. I left the batter recipe the same, and added a coconut rum buttercream icing on top, sprinkled with coconut and almond pieces. For the icing, I used 3 Tablespoons of butter at room temperature. I added ~1 Tablespoon of coconut rum, and then confectioner's sugar until the right consistency. I couldn't stop dipping my fingers in the icing bowl while waiting for the cakes to cool! It was really good. The cake was lovely as well. A little dense and moist. I think it definitely needed a little something on top to sweetened the whole deal.

twd ~ Tarte Noire

I actually made this week's pick, Tarte Noire by dharmagirl, a couple of weeks ago. This is totally unlike me. I was craving chocolate and looked ahead in the TWD schedule...and badabing - Tarte Noire!



Ganache in crust. It's as simple and as good as it sounds. This truly hit the chocolate craving right on the spot. I only got one picture, and it's terrible. How do you get a good picture of cold ganache? I took several, and ended up deleting all but this one. At least you can see the reflection of upside-down trees from outside the window, which I thought was neat.

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!