A Beautiful Brownie Variation by Duck Momma

Best brownies ever + peanut butter = Happy Momma

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From Ireland with Love by Duck Momma

Its been a long winter. And as much as we look forward to spring, you know March is coming with its lion attitude. There is always some gray day ahead. But Those lovely rain drops will bring us lovely flowers, and in the meanwhile I have something to comfort and warm you.

Now there is nothing like Irish Brown Bread (aka soda bread). Its rich and dense and so comforting. For me, it is a way to nod to my Irish roots and I love it. This recipe is spot on in my opinion, although nothing beats having this bread with lamb stew on a rainy day in the Ring of Kerry, but a gray Monday in  my kitchen is worthy too. I hope you will enjoy this, May it bring a smile to your face and chase your hunger and blues away.

Here is what you need:

• 1 c all purpose flour
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sallt
• 1 1/2 tbsp cold butter
• 2 c wheat flour
• 1/4 c rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• (possible extra few teaspoons of milk in case dry)

Here's what you do:

1. In a bowl mix all purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture forms small crumbs. ( I used a food processor) Stir in Whole wheat flour and oats.
2. Add buttermilk and stir gently. If mixture is too dry to hold together add 1 tsp of buttermilk just until dough holds together. (I had to use 3 extra last time I made this) Dough should not be sticky.
3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently about 5 times. Set lightly on a greased baking sheet, (or pizza stone) Pat into a 7 inch diameter circle and with a floured knife cut or score a large X in the center.
4. Bake at 375 degrees until well browned, about 40 minutes. Cool on a rack. Serve warm or cool with salted butter.

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Best Brownies Ever by Duck Momma

Happy Valentine's Day! In case your day was not sweet enough, or perhaps it is and a little extra chocolate never hurt anyone, I thought I would share my mom's brownie recipe (since I already spilled on the fudge frosting of course)

Here's what you need:

• 1 c butter
• 2 c sugar
• 2 tbs vanilla
• 3/4 c cocoa powder
• 4 eggs
• 1 c flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

(I didn't say they were the healthiest brownies ever. You ever bite into a vitamin? ok back to brownies and sweet mental health *wink*)

Melt butter in a pan. Remove from heat and add sugar and eggs one at a time. Mix in Vanilla, cocoa, and then carefully add the flour, baking soda and salt. Mix it well.
Spread into a greased 9x13 in pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Enjoy!
*WARNING* you will not want to share these, however I highly recommend you do, for a number of reasons;

• whoever you share with will undoubtedly love you (and it is Valentine's Day)
• there is a cup of butter and 4 eggs in here, so unless you have a date with your cardiologist or gym trainer. . . Although they need love too
• if you feel you do not want to share, as I often do, then forget what I said in the previous warning entry and grab a fork!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Forget the Cake: Fast Fudge Frosting by Duck Momma

I'm about to share a family secret with you. Promise not to tell? You may never eat your cake again, all you'll need is this frosting. My mom use to make this for us, the extra frosting left over was the best part!( talk about licking the bowl)
Here is what you will need
• 1 1lb package of powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 c. Cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 c. Boiling water
• 1/3 c. Butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla
• will power to not eat it all in one sitting

Ok here is what you do:
Combine sugar, cocoa, and salt. Add water and butter. Blend. Add vanilla and mix well. This will frost top and sides of two 8 -9 inch layers. (As long as you don't sample too much of it... )

Enjoy! Your brownies will never be the same!

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