Monthly Archives: December 2010

Mint Brownies

December 17, 2010

My mom loves mint brownies. And for a long time I’d promised her I’d make some. So last week when my family (the condensed version) came down to attend my graduation, I baked these. It turns out we all love mint brownies. Even Dustin, who thinks that the brownie shouldn’t be messed with. He gets uneasy whenever he hears I’m putting a new twist on something traditional. But the boy couldn’t stop eating these. (Victory!) Maybe it was the fudgy brownie base, or perhaps the thin layer of mint filling. Or was it the rich chocolate topping? Probably the irresistible combination of all three.

I was a little bit concerned about how much butter went into these brownies. It’s probably why they’re so awesome. Two sticks here, another two there. What’s a little butter over the holidays, right? Just make sure you’ve got someone to share these with. (And the recipe could easily be reduced by half, or less.)

Mint Brownies

INGREDIENTS

Brownie Batter:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups sugar
4 eggs, whisked
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

Mint Frosting:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 Tbsp. milk
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. peppermint extract
green food coloring (optional)

Chocolate Topping:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray.

2. To make the brownie batter, in a large bowl, whisk to combine melted butter and cocoa powder. Add the sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt and mix well. Stir in the flour, mixing until just combined. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until set in the center. Cool slightly before placing in the freezer for 20 minutes.

3. To prepare the mint frosting, combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix with electric beaters on medium speed until fluffy. Spread over brownies and return pan to freezer for 20 more minutes.

4. To prepare the chocolate topping, melt butter and chocolate together in a glass bowl (on the stove or in the microwave). Drizzle over brownies and spread into an even layer with a spatula. Place in the freezer or refrigerator until set.

Fills a 9×13 pan.

(Adapted from Make it Do)

Roasted Butternut Squash and Bacon Pasta

December 5, 2010

I’ve always found it interesting that I can look through the same old cookbook (or recipe site) over and over again and each time something new jumps out at me. A recipe that I never noticed lurking there before. And it usually relates to whatever ingredient or cuisine I’m currently obsessing over. For example, had I encountered this recipe in April, my eyes would have glazed right over the page. But in the heart of fall, this bacon and squash pasta dish was screaming my name. It also helps that I’m infatuated with pasta right now. You can probably tell by looking at it that this was wonderful. Rich and cheesy, yes. But not overwhelmingly so. Just enough crispy bacon to add outstanding flavor. And the right amount of bechamel to lubricate the noodles. Oh, and the roasted butternut squash. Like candy, I swear.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Bacon Pasta

INGREDIENTS

1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced (3 cups diced)
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary (or 1 1/2 tsp. fresh)
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 lb. bacon
1 cup shallots, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 cups milk, warmed
pinch nutmeg
8 oz. whole wheat penne, shells, or macaroni
3/4 cup sharp provolone, shredded (I used smoked provolone)
1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly grated

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl toss squash and rosemary with olive oil to coat. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and golden.

3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain; set aside.

4. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Set aside to drain. Reserve 1 Tbsp. of bacon grease in the skillet. Crumble bacon once cooled.

5. Saute shallots and garlic in the reserved bacon grease over medium heat until tender. Stir in the flour and cook for 30 seconds. Slowly whisk in the milk, 1/2 cup at a time, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened. Season with a pinch of nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste.

6. In a large bowl, toss to combine 3/4 of the roasted squash, the cooked pasta, 3/4 of the crumbled bacon, the sauce, and the Provolone and Parmesan (reserving some cheese to sprinkle on top). Pour into a lightly greased 9×9 baking dish. Top with the remaining bacon and squash. Sprinkle with the reserved cheese.

7. Bake in preheated 425 F oven for 10 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let set several minutes before serving.

Serves 4.

(Adapted from Cooking Light)