Category Archives: Dessert

Guest Post from “So Good And Tasty”


When I began blogging in 2010 I was completely blown away by the prolific community of food writers and home cooks who shared their stories and their inspiration on the web. Come to think of it, I barely visited blogs let alone food blogs, until giving it all a go myself… It was one of those “jump before looking how deep the water was first” sort of things. Needless to say, I spent countless hours pouring over gorgeous, articulate web pages, trying to learn as much as I could. So Good And Tasty was one of the first to educate me on this crazy, cool world of food blogs. Beautiful photos, authentic writing, and Jacqui’s detailed consideration to the process of  creating wholesome, seasonal meals was (and still is) incredibly inspiring. I was thrilled and totally honored when she agreed to guest post this week. In addition to her beautiful blog, Jacqui owns and operates her own creative studio, Slide Sideways, with her husband Scott. They make some of the coolest graphicslogos and other goodies on their etsy shop. Thank you Jacqui for sharing this stunning lemon tart. You’re the best.

Connections are made every day. Sometimes they’re large or life changing. Other times they’re as simple as a smile to a passerby on the street or stopping to observe Spring’s first flowers pushing through the cool, heavy earth. These little connections are made everyday whether you stop to take notice or not.

One connection that continues to intrigue and inspire me is food. It’s amazing to think that one little seed, when loved and cared for, grows into something that nourishes the body and mind. That those little seeds make a meal that I can then share with friends and family, making even further connections, that soon become memories of those meals and times past.

When I take the time to photograph a new recipe I’ve made and post it to share with others, who then take the time to read it, I think about all those connections I’ve made with people I don’t even know and it blows me away. I’ve entered their lives in some small way and it feels good. So when Kelsey asked if I would be a guest on her blog, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. The food, photographs, and writing she shares on Happyolks inspires me and it’s another connection I’m glad I’ve made.

This lemon tart is the perfect way to end any meal. The yogurt keeps it light and the lemon is refreshing and bright. It’s on the tart side though, so if you prefer something sweeter you can add a little more sugar to the filling (about 3/4 cup total), although I’m a big fan of tart meets slightly sweet desserts. The rosemary in the crust is very subtle, but adds the perfect earthy touch to make the tart more interesting.

 Lemon Tart with Rosemary Crust

Created, photographed, and shared by Jacqui at So Good And Tasty

for the crust

  • 1 1/3 cup spelt flour
  • 3 tablespoons cane sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1-2 tablespoon ice water

for the filling

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup cane sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Lightly butter a 9-inch tart pan and set aside.

Place the flour, sugar, rosemary, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times. Add the butter and pulse until little pea sized bits start to form. Add in the ice water, starting with just 1 tablespoon. Pulse a few more times, then check the dough to see if it holds together when pressed between your fingers. If not, add the 2nd tablespoon. The dough may still seem crumbly, but as long as it holds together when pressed it will be perfect.

 Dump the dough out into the prepared tart pan. Starting from the center, work your way out to the sides by pressing the dough firmly into the pan. Make sure you press it up along the sides evenly. Pierce the bottom with a fork a few times and place in the oven to bake for about 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before filling.

Meanwhile prepare the filling. Place the yogurt and sugar in a bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, then add the lemon juice and zest. Whisk until smooth and everything is evenly combined.

Pour the filling into the crust and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set and only slightly jiggles when shaken lightly.

Allow to cool completely then place in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Tart can be made the day before and kept covered and chilled in the fridge. Serve with fresh whipped cream if you’d like.

 

Agathe - Thanks so much for this delicious reciepe.

Angela P - This just came out of the oven… are you sure you can’t eat it before it cools. I might not be able to wait that long.

Amrita - That tart is just plain beautiful! Just something that sits on the table innocently and yet you cannot turn away without cutting a small (read: pretty big) slice of it!

la domestique - What a lovely tart! Lemon desserts are my favorite and I like the balance of sweet, tart lemon with a hint of earthy herb in the crust.

la domestique - What a lovely tart! Lemon desserts are my favorite and I like the balance of sweet/tart lemon with a hint of earthy herb in the crust.

Winnie - Oh, my. I am head over heels in love with this tart. I adore the rosemary in the crust and the Greek yogurt in the filling. Just beautiful!

Anna @ the shady pine - This looks utterly delicious! I’ve also been posting about lemon recipes this week after a recent bounty of lemons.

Amanda Jane - this is gorgeous!

Punctuation Mark - This looks delicious… I love rosemary!

Laurie - I made this for guests tonight — absolutely delish! Light, refreshing, tart, yummy in every way. Thanks.

Becky @ TOHG - The pictures alone make me want to make this! Mouthwatering!

Adrienne - I couldn’t agree more with Jacqui. I love reading the stories behind the recipes almost as much as the recipes themselves. I sometimes wish I could have a coffee and meet the fabulous people behind the blogs. This tart sounds perfect.

Shanna - Beautiful! Jacqui’s site is one of my favs, too. : )

Brian - What a fabulous recipe! I frequently try to incorporate herbs into pastries. It always seems to give it an added dimension. Another lovely guest post!

Lisa - Beautiful pictures—this sounds absolutely amazing!

thelittleloaf - I never knew what an incredible community there was out there until I started blogging. This tart is the perfect way to celebrate that and I love the sound of the rosemary crust. Absolutely gorgeous.

Mariangie - This is lovely. And it is perfect for the unseasonably warm weather we are having. And thank you for introducing me to another fabulous blog! Have a fantastic Sunday!

Every Little Bit

I love this season. It’s cold. There are lights. There is hand holding. There is fellowship among strangers. Joy elevates the mundane, and cultivates memories to satiate and linger through the early months of another year, a new year. The blankets come down from the closet, there is ample excuse to bake, and we somehow find time, make time to connect.

For no particular reason, there are some days when I am shaken by the absurdity of my blessings. I learned at a young age that the holidays are not all gingerbread and champagne for everyone. I remember that when everyone seemed to be getting out of school and taking time off, my mom’s private practice was just ramping up. While the “other moms” were planning progressive dinners, she was helping the mourning, lonely, and lost to navigate the hardest part of their year.

There can be just as much sadness as there is joy associated with this season. I try to remember this everyday. While I indulge in the sweet embrace of loved ones next week, I know that someone, somewhere, is alone. Someone, somewhere, is piecing together a semblance of celebration after deep, confusing loss.

It’s startling, to witness your own luck. How mind-blowing it is to have so much, again, another year.

Of course there are moments throughout the season that frustrate. Our relatives can make us crazy. You’ll bump into that person from high school you really would have rather avoided. You’ll feel obligated to attend certain neighborhood functions. Your partner will exceed the 50lb baggage limit. You’ll be late to work. Someone will forget to change the roll in the guest room. There will be thousands of crazy, maddening moments and interactions this season.

Remember that someone, just like you, somewhere on this planet doesn’t get those crazy, maddening moments. They have no one to burn the biscuits for. They are trying to understand the meaning of tradition when there is now an empty seat at the table.

Here’s the thing… I want every single crazy moment that comes with this time of year. I know that one year, if I am not so lucky as I am now, that I will cling to the taste and the touch and the sounds of all these moments and how they made my life so rich and full. I want to do the things I don’t want to really do, I want to see the people I don’t really want to see, I want show, express, and appreciate every bit of it.

Roasted Chestnut Spread 

  • 1 lb Chestnuts
  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Roasting and shucking chestnuts is more fun with a partner, so grab a partner and tell them to set the oven to 425.’ As the oven preheats, begin working with the chestnuts by cutting a large x on the rounded side of each shell. Place flat side down on a pan. I cover mine with parchment because it’s a bit “seasoned” if you know what I mean. Pour a cup of water over the cross-hatched chestnuts and roast for about 22-25 minutes.

Remove from the oven, the skins should have peel back a bit by now. Let cool for about 10 minutes before getting started on the peeling process. You’ll need to discard the tough, dark brown shell as well as the thin brown skin that coats the actual soft nut. From all my research, each nut has a different story. Some shells and skins are a nuisance while others come off quite easily. It’s a tedious job, but definitely worth it. Toss naked chestnuts into small pot and cover with 1 1/2 – 2 cups of water, depending on how many nuts you ended up yielding. I usually come out with a few nasty moldy dudes and some that crumble apart when I’m trying to peel, so my best guess is that I have about 8-10 ounces of actual nut when it’s all said and done. Add sugar and vanilla. Bring to a boil and stir, allowing to simmer for about 15 minutes.

Remove from heat. Let sit in the pot for a bit before transferring to a food processer with the blade attachment. Process for about 5 minutes, adding a tiny bit of water or warm milk to the mixture to help things along. Transfer to a jar or serve immediately with crepes, toast, or apple slices.

Recipe adapted from Jennie. Cowl/Scarf made by Melissa. Find more music by the amazing (22 year-old!!) Ben Howard Here.

Chrissy - Ah finally a good chestnut recipe! When I lived in Italy, my home-stay mom would make chestnut jam that was TO DIE FOR. I have been missing it :( So this just made me so happy.

Bridget - This looks amazing!!!

Vanessa - Just came across your blog and am looooving your gorgeous photos. <3

Megan Gordon - Oh goodness! We were going to roast chestnuts on Christmas Eve and never got around to it. So I love this idea and can’t wait to try it (good on ice cream you think?). You’re so right about the fellowship among strangers — that’s one of my favorite things about the holidays: the “hello’s” and “happy holidays” from people who usually walk right by you on the street. I hope you had a lovely, lovely holiday filled with baking, blankets, and a little sleeping in.

Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence - Another amazing video. Loved it!!

Kaitlin - I needed this post. I came across it days ago and it got lost in the millions and bajillions of tabs I have open. I’m kind of happy for it, though, because it’s helping me put a different perspective on the events of the weekend. Thank you for that.

I’m not sure if my desire to find chestnuts came from seeing this post or not, but I had a lot of fun roasting the ones I finally found today. I didn’t make the spread, but I definitely agree that the peeling process is more fun with a friend. I made these with Mom.

I showed her the video too because I couldn’t keep it to myself. Totally gorgeous!

I hope you had a very very merry Christmas :)

Brandi {not your average ordinary} - I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to see this post. Utterly and completely, plus some. The video is incredible and all of your food photography is STUNNING! I’m so excited to make this soon — and see what I can create with it!

Golubka - I enjoyed this video so much! You two are lovely, thanks so much for sharing.

Sarah - Look at your curly-wavy hair! And windy-beach topknot. You’re adorable.

“Joy elevates the mundane.” This sums up not only what’s wonderful about this time of year, but what can be wonderful about living.

Kasey - Absolutely LOVE the video, Kelsey. And agree that even though this time of year can be hectic, I know that I am lucky to have all sorts of hectic, right alongside all sorts of beauty. Happy holidays! xo

sarah - Lovely post, lovely words. It’s always good to be mindful of those without. Thanks for the reminder. :)

Nicole - I’ve always wanted to roast my own chestnuts and I’m sure this spread is heavenly. Lovely video, too. I couldn’t go to beach with bare feet at this time of the year in Michigan, but it’s so pretty to see it.

amelia - super super lovely. And now I toootally want to roast some chestnuts!

Cookie and Kate - I just adore your videos. They’re the best. That spread looks incredible, and I love Melissa’s scarf on you. I want one!

Kelly @ The Gouda Life - Stunningly written as always, Kelsey. Happy holidays to you!

Brian @ A Thought For Food - Damn you! This has left me crying happy tears. What a beautiful post!

Violets and Cardamom - Your video was amazing!! I have never had roasted chestnuts before but now I definitely want to give it a try!

Melissa - Beautiful video. Tom and I need to get around to making one. Love these!

la domestique - Love the video and music! Amen to all that.

El - The video is phenomenal. Your words are mindful yet inspiring. The chestnut spread looks amazing. All of this is a wonderful reminder of what truly matters. Happy holidays to you both.

lauren@spicedplate - I’ve been feeling the same way recently — so blessed to be able to witness my own luck and abundance of good things happening. It feels almost more sweet, knowing that it’s been a long time coming.

This video is gorgeous — chestnuts are a tradition my grandparents brought over with them (they come from a town in Italy known for chestnuts that I can’t recall the name of right now) and I have many memories of warm impatient fingers, not able to wait to unpeel the shell. I recently baked chestnuts into apple cookies and it was such a fantastic texture. This spread looks delightful. Thank you for these videos. I’m watching it as a flurry falls outside and it instantly put me back in the joy of the holidays.

Chloe - I have to say, your videos are the absolute best. Thank you, thank you, thank you for brightening up my day. Happy holidays to you.

sara - i hope you’ll still be my friend when you two are big time. AMAZING! I love it so much. You two are great and I LOVE love love the videos, makes me feel like I know you better. Pretty scarf too ;)

Jacqui - Hi Kelsey. I didn’t get to watch the video (I’m at the office right now) but your writing is enough. So true, so … yes. To all of it. Thank you.

Melissa @ thefauxmartha - After watching and reading this, I said to myself out loud—she is so talented! Your writing so raw and beautiful. A breath of fresh air. The video and pictures match the mood with ease. Thank you for sharing your life and your talent. I’m in awe. AND I’m in awe that the cowl made the video. It looks perfect on you.

Heidi @ Food Doodles - Beautiful post, and so very true. Your spread sounds fantastic, I’ve never had anything like that before. I loved the video. I used to live near the ocean and now I like inland so it brings back great memories :)

LiztheChef - Now I know what to do with my extra jar of chestnuts…Thanks and Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.

Amanda Jane - wow…this looks amazing!

Meister @ The Nervous Cook - This post broke my heart in the most beautiful possible way.

Amanda - OMG! It’s the China coat!!! Still looks great on you girl! That video was so wonderful! Warmed my heart! You are so precious, and, I think the saying goes, “wise beyond your years.” :)

Ines - Thank you. The video is very inspiring. Can you tell me the name of the song?

Snippets of Thyme - What a wonderful wonderful post. I think all of us who have had pain and loss in our lives feels so much the same as you. I, too, appreciate each and every moment and marvel at the fortunate existence I have today compared to years ago. I sure do hate pain and loss but I realize that it pushes us to bind together to do more for those who need help. Thank you for reminding me of that.

talley - Kelsey, What a wonderful post! I’m sitting here, nestled in my apartment, watching the grey and rainy weather settle in for another day, and watching your video again, and again, and again. A couple things – First, the Ocean! A blessing in itself. I miss the Ocean. Having lived on the East Coast my entire life the Ocean was a constant and now in Zürich, smack in the middle of Europe, I often feel trapped. Sure there are the Alps and plenty of lakes, but there is nothing like the vast beauty of the ocean. Second, roasted chestnuts (Heisse Maroni) are an incredibly popular street snack here. Little huts will pop up and grizzly mustached men will stand over their roasting pit, stirring and shaking and piling the finished, flakey shelled nuts, into little bags. The bags have two parts – one for the whole nuts and then a separate attached bag for the shells (swiss efficiency at it’s best) I love the idea, but unfortunately I don’t love the taste, they are too dry for me. I’m going to buy some though and try out this recipe! Wonderful! (sorry comment so long, just so much to say!) ps. video is now on it’s 4th round…

best of the blogs: christmas edition #4. « wabi wabi - [...] 20./ alcoholidays (christmassy drinks) 21./ vegan and gluten-free christmas 22./ baked brie 23./ roasted chestnut spread 24./ nutmeg maple butter cookies 25./ candied [...]

Spiced Apple Molasses Cake

Muscle memory. By definition it’s synonymous with motor learning, a form of procedural memory that involves consolidating a specific motor task into memory through repetition. The idea is when a movement or thought process is repeated over time, a “long-term muscle memory” is created so that with practice that task can be performed without a conscious effort. It’s a concept that’s been on my mind lately. With the end of another semester upon me, I’ve begun to feel the usual stresses that accompany it.

With three and a half years practice, the muscle memory is pretty reliable by now. My mind and body quickly get with the program, summoning my emotion, faculty, and willpower to engage at full speed. In some ways this is great. Things get done. Books get read. Term papers get written. But what trappings have my conditioned mind led me into again? Unnecessary stress? Check. Anxiety? Check. Emotional highs and lows? Check. Silly stuff in the big picture.

I think the whole muscle memory concept is amazing when you step back and look at how it works in so many aspects of our lives. On the physiological level, a person can teach her legs, her heart, and her lungs to run, jump, skip, swim — and with time she can be active without a conscious effort. In the same way I think there is a sort of psychological muscle memory that exists too. We can program our thoughts and responses to variety of situations through repeated practice to a point where these things too can be performed without conscious effort. Over time instead of stopping and thinking, our brains skip thinking and our muscles just “do,” or react. In some ways, this can be incredibly powerful. We can condition positivity, optimism, and non-judgment to inherently color our intentions and actions. On the flip side, it also means we fall into traps of repeated emotions and behaviors that we’ve been programmed for so long to experience the condition in a certain way.

Here’s the awesome part: we can totally reprogram our muscle memory. It takes one conscious second to check yourself and say, “Hey, experience X, so we’ve been here before, how has my programmed response been working out? What if we tried this a little differently?” With enough practice (and a bit of patience and self-love) we can rewire our responses to certain experiences and situations to better serve us. There will be slips. We’ll fall back into those old habits and thoughts. It’s okay. We’re human. But in time those yucky, dark spots that we find ourselves falling into in certain situations will be obsolete.

I’m practicing, in oh so many ways. Final exam preparations included. It’s working. Start with a piece of Spiced Apple Molasses Cake.

Spiced Apple Molasses Cake 

Slightly adapted from Real Simple 

  • 1/2 cup grapeseed oil
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 cup blackstrap molasses
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
  • 5 apples (I used fuji) peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks

Heat oven to 350° F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside. In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the oil, molasses, brown sugar, egg, ginger, vanilla and ½ cup boiling water. Slowly stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Add the apples last, folding generously to disperse evenly throughout the mixture. Pour batter into an oiled and floured cake pan, or cast iron skillet. Bake for 45 minutes (closer to 55 with the cast iron) until it passes the toothpick test. Let cool for at least 10 minutes. Enjoy as a dessert or breakfast cake with a cup of french pressed coffee.

Jeanine - I just discovered your blog… so gorgeous. This cake looks to die for!

Culinary Collage - This looks absolutely wonderful!

Elizabeth - Looks delicious!

Melissa @ thefauxmartha - As always—so beautifully written with pictures that compliment. Hope the end of the semester goes well and quickly.

Kasey - Ohhh I am a muscle memory stresser. I worry, even though I KNOW that in the end, it will get done. On occasion, I’ve tried to retrained myself to not get so anxious. To think of the big picture. Reading this post makes me think, Yes, yes, I can! Good luck with your exams! Oh, and yes, now I have some use for that molasses ;)

lauren@spicedplate - I love the color of this cake, and the ingredients — I’ve been on a molasses kick lately and can’t get enough of the slow sticky stuff. And hurrah for apples — we still have some local ones available and I’m trying to put them in everything to sweeten things up.

beti - that looks so moist and delicious!

The Healthy Apple - This is beautiful; love it! Such beautiful pictures, too; so happy I just found your lovely blog. Happy Holidays!

Brian @ A Thought For Food - This with a cup of tea (spiked with some whiskey) and I’m a happy camper :-)

Pure2raw twins - beautiful photos!! that spice cake looks amazing. love molasses :)
Great post, always inspiring!

Lynda – TasteFood - This looks sublime. The molasses really tips this. Wonderful photos.

Cookie and Kate - Lovely as ever. That cake looks delicious!

Jesica @ Pencil Kitchen - Enchantingly comforting…

El - It’s amazing how we condition ourselves, both physically and emotionally. Thankfully, we can retrain. I love the idea of improving myself while eating some of your delicious cake. Molasses? You make New England proud ;>)

sarah - Lovely photos. And, I always appreciate your positive and uplifting blog posts.

Chloe - I always enjoy reading your posts, and this one was no exception. Thank you.

Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence - Good luck with your finals! This cake sounds like a perfect comforting treat to help you get through everything.

Laken - I’ve been thinking on this exact topic lately. Both for physical and emotional habits. I’ve been analyzing the habits that I fall back into, no matter how healthy or unhealthy, and wondering why? And I completely agree that we can reprogram ourselves – so, when I notice these habits, the negative effects of muscle memory, I can turn them around.

And I made and posted about this cake earlier this season. It was just so good and I’ve been thinking about it ever since :)

Kathryn O - I love how dark and romantic this cake looks! I’ve been craving something sweet and spicy and this cake seems to fit the bill perfectly. Good luck with your exams, Kelsey, and be sure to take lots of study breaks!! :)

Heidi @ Food Doodles - Mmmmm, I love how molassesy that looks. Beautiful! And it looks delicious with apples :)

Erin - During my undergrad years I would get so amazingly stressed during every exam period and by the time I reached grad school, I couldn’t do it anymore. I was able step back from the situation and say, “listen, this isn’t stressful. You know how to do this without freaking out!”

Great post and I’ll be wishing you good luck on your exams as I torcher my own students :)

PS- can’t wait to make this cake!

Fresh and Foodie - My husband would adore this cake. Thanks for sharing and good luck as you make your way through exams.

Meister @ The Nervous Cook - Muscle memory can be reprogrammed, you’re right — and I’m just learning this. And just like any other muscle, the only way to grow or improve is through exercise. That’s “exercise,” not perfection — if there were perfection, there’d be no reason to change the memory. And so all of life and all of living is a work in progress.

Beautiful post, and enjoy the gorgeous cake while you prep for exams. I can practically smell its spicy sweetness baking right now…

Amy - It’s a little strange really, realizing you go through the same anxiety and stress routinely… and for what ends? To create reliable muscle memories with writing essays and taking tests? I’m there with you right now. Maybe I need to go make a cake- thanks for this post Kelsey. And good luck this last stretch of school!

Lisa [With Style and Grace] - everything about this post is absolutely beautiful. it’s funny how appropriate this was for me to read at this very moment. thank you.

best of the blogs: christmas edition #4. « wabi wabi - [...] cookies 9./ spiced mocha (and how to do a tim-tam slam!) 10./ blueberry christmas glögg 11./ spiced apple molasses cake 12./ chocolate peppermint roll with ganache 13./ traditional mince tarts 14./ preserved lemons 15./ [...]

Here and There, Surprises

You’re probably thinking, didn’t we just see a new post from this girl? Yes. Two posts in one week. They say the busier you get the more you get done, right? We created this video to help Megan at The Fresh Exchange celebrate the surprise announcement of her new creative venture (today! see more here).  Megan is awesome — someone I would like to call friend in real life sometime soon, she’s a young seeker too.

As I’ve shared in our “contact” drop down, before starting this blog I was admittedly anti social-media. People need people, not computers. Nothing replaces real human connection and relationships, but I’ve learned over the past year that social networks, blogs, and digital media actually do bring people closer together. This space has served as reinforcement to my fundamental belief that we are not alone; there are thousands of people who share similar passions, interests, and goals. Together, we can be better, do better, and inspire new ideas and new ways to look at the world.

If you’re a creative, blogger, or just looking for new friends, hop on over to The Fresh Exchange  for a bit of inspiration and the recipe to these sweet and spicy macaroons adapted from Rebecca Katz in the Cancer Fighting Kitchen.

argone - I could not find the recipe, but thank you for the video !

{av} - so so happy to have “met” you today during blog brunch! your posts are incredible! this video was AMAZING. I started blogging to find great people like you :) have a happy weekend! xoxo {av} | {long distance loving}

Laken - In love with this video.

myfudo - Love the post, so inspiring. Great recipe.. In love with your blog.

Golubka - This is so so beautiful, I’m speechless! And what a lovely and simple treat. Also, great choice of music, we love Sufjan Stevens. Thank you for linking :)

Laura - Oh my gosh I loooved this! It’s so genuine and sweet. If I knew how to make those little hearts in text, they would be all over the place here. Very inspired. Must. Make. Video. Now. And macaroons! Holy yum.

sara - love it! andddd I need to eat those.

la domestique - Great job on the video! The whole social media thing has surprised me as well. For me, it is the real world, and I’ve enjoyed new friendships that warm my heart and inspire my soul. Thanks for being one of those friends! :)

Lisa - This is great!

Wellness Within - Ditto, Melissa ~ I love, love love the video. It has kept me smiling all day! Happyolks makes our folks very happy! Thank you for caring so much about others minds & bodies, your blog continues to inspire & make a difference, love you so much!

Melissa @ thefauxmartha - Love love love love this video! You are awesome.

Em {pushups with polish} - hi! i”m so happy i came across your blog through the surprise party! your pictures are beautiful xxo

Melissa - Great video! I love watching these.

Kasey - You are adorable! I love this video. And I totally agree – people need people, but social media actually helps bring us together a lot of times! xoxo

Kimberley - Love this. Absolutely gorgeous!

Starting a trend in the kitchen » Boyte Creative {the blog} - [...] the first of probably what will be more to come. I shot and edited this little video, for a recent post Kels wrote on Happyolks, in just over an hour or so (with a healing hairline fracture in my right [...]

Starting a trend in the kitchen » Boyte Creative (the blog) - [...] the first of probably what will be more to come. I shot and edited this little video, for a recent post Kels wrote on Happyolks, in just over an hour or so (with a healing hairline fracture in my right [...]

Books & Blackberry Brownies

Over the past few years I’ve been curating a short (but sadly growing) list of things I’m worried my (someday) kids will never get to see or experience in their lives. Although I am a pretty optimistic person, my heart does sink every now and then when I step back for too long and watch the great world spin before me. I tend to stumble upon these things gently, usually in nature where I am reassured that everything is going to be the way it should.

Alas, this has not been the case for my most recent fear. Books. The end of books. The real hold-it-in-your-hand, check-it-out-at-the-library, pass-it-to-a-friend, dog-ear-the-page, make-your-purse-heavy kind of books. The gutting of bookstores large and small across the nation is the beginning of what I fear will soon turn into a world entirely of e-readers and online textbooks. The idea that one day I might be able to say “when I was a kid, there used to be stores the size of supermarkets filled with just books” and get a response like, “no way!” is scary.

The Borders liquidation sale was a war-zone this past weekend — books falling off the shelves, on the floor. People were manically digging through stacks of movies and rows of greeting cards as if their lives depended on it. An ugly scene, to say the least. We left empty handed, and when I asked Shaun why we had even checked it out in the first place he responded, “to remember.” Gulp.

If you’ve checked out the recommended reading page, you’ll know that there is something very spiritual to me about having a house filled with good books. There is a Horace Mann quote that embraces my sentiments perfectly, “a house without books is like a room without windows.” It’s so true. They help develop our perspectives of the world, bringing us closer together without ever taking step out the front door. Even if that stack on your nightstand has gone untouched in the past six months, they still serve as physical reminders of our beliefs, our hopes, and our curiosities.

Pick out a good book from your stash and have a brownie. Cherish the pages.

Blackberry Brownies

Adapted from A Dash of Sass

  • 4 cups grated zucchini
  • 1 cup coconut oil
  • ½ cup brown rice syrup
  • ½ cup raw turbinado sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups gluten free flour blend
  • 1 cup vegan cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 2 cups whole blackberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a large baking pan with a tsp of coconut oil and set aside. Grate zucchini into a strainer, press with a towel to remove excess moisture.

In a large bowl, mix together coconut oil, eggs, brown rice syrup, sugar, and vanilla. Beat in the dried, pressed zucchini. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture slowly, stirring to combine. Add the blackberries last, stirring together gently.

Bake for 40-45 minutes and let cool for 20-30 minutes, if you can resist temptation.

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Cynthia D - I’m determined to try one of your recipies as soon as life gives me a chance and I think this will be the first one :) Blackberries are one of my favorite foods and you know I’m a sucker for creative gluten free :D Love you!

Renee - I agree about the books but from a different perspective. I do enjoy my Kindle. It is very convenient for a working mom of 3.

What bothers me about replacing published content with digital content is that history can be rewritten at the press of a delete button.

It is fitting to tell this today, September 11, 2011. One week before September 11, 2001, I was going through my e-mails. I had subscribed to The New York Times online and was looking at their e-mail which had links to some top articles pertaining to categories of interest which I had chosen.

One of the articles stood out and it was worth printing to show to my husband. The article was about a man called Osama bin Laden who while at his son’s wedding that week openly boasted about his emminent efforts to strike the United States. Little did I know then was that this unheard of person would be the most talked about man the next week.

My husband read the article and we talked about it but by the end of the week the print out went to the recycling. Then that fatal Tuesday came. A few days later, I was stunned to hear that name again and remembered. I immediately went back to my e-mails. I clicked on the link to pull up the article again; however, instead of the article which I had read a week prior, there was a different article about 9/11. I wrote an e-mail requesting this article to New York times with a forward of their e-mail which showed the link. The answer I received was that they decided to have an article which reflected the current events. They had no obligation to keep on-line content the same since it was not a published article – in hard print.

Need I say, I no longer subscribe to them.

In all of the coverage that followed September 11th, I never heard one word about Osama bin Laden’s speech at his son’s wedding or the fact that The New York Times had even done an article on this. It’s a scary thought that facts could be cut and paste in or out of our history.

Natalie of Fashion Intel - Just discovered your blog and I LOVE it!

Emma Galloway - I’m totally with you on the fear of a book-less world. I truly hope it never happens.
These brownies look magical.Yum.

Emma Galloway - I’m totally with you on the fear of a book-less world. I truly hope it never happens.
These brownies look magical. Yum.

Tartepink - I’m totally agree with you. As long as they publish real books, I don’t think I will ever quit reading books while touching and smelling paper! These look delicious BTW!!

Snippets of Thyme - Blackberries and brownies. Oh, this could just be my perfect combination.

Brandi {not your average ordinary} - And to think: I was wondering what in the world I was going to do with those blackberries I picked on Tuesday. A tasty solution too.

Jen - I also love a good book–to have and to hold and to share. But I am really starting to enjoy my Nook, and appreciate how the end of big box book stores doesn’t equal the end of reading–reading lives on. That’s the most important thing to me. And I don’t mind saving a tree by purchasing and borrowing from the library digital books.

Kasey - I am so on the same page with you on the books thing. I cherish books. My husband and I have so many we have no room for them on our bookcases. And, despite the fact that I have an iPad, I refuse to read a book on a piece of technology. It’s just not right! If I’m ever lucky enough to write a book, I sure hope I get to hold the paper in my hands. And my kids do, too! xo

Maddie - Brownies with blackberries stirred in? Genius. Seriously.

I’m worried that my kids won’t understand the concept of film photography, so I’m starting up that habit again—to preserve it in my little household, at least. You’re so right about digitizing everything; we’ve gotta be careful, lest we lose the magic of things.

Maria @ Scandifoodie - Oh I hear ya! I’m definitely an old-fashion kind of a girl and love to have my books as they are, not digital! I see toddlers playing with iphones and it makes me wonder whatever happened to normal toys?! I think I’ll definitely want to raise my kid(s) more traditional way than that.

Gorgeous brownies! Coconut oil works so well instead of butter!

Megan - I love that pan :) so cute!!!

Laken - I’m guilty of loving my books so much that I can’t resist starting a new one — then I find myself reading 5 books at once.

And I’ve been so into brownies lately, so I’ll definitely be trying these :)

Cookie and Kate - Inspiring, as always! I suspect I’ve been reading too many cookbooks and food books. I need to get swept away in some fiction; that must be part of the reason why I haven’t felt inspired to write much lately. I do love the have little stacks of books on my nightstand and side tables. Books are always in reach, just the way I like them.

And those brownies? Blackberries and zucchini? Brilliant!

Amanda - Hey Girl,

I know!!! My favorite part of a book is the smell of the pages! Anyway, these brownies look amazing and if I lived in a house with a kitchen, I would make them! Miss you baby girl!

kellypea - The brownies sound quite special — I’d never consider pairing them with blackberry for some reason. I love raspberry with chocolate, so go figure.

On books: My husband called me from the liquidation this past weekend asking what I might be interested in. I’ve watched from afar, not wanting to be a part of it all because it makes me sad as well. But I’m still optimistic and will most likely stay that way. I don’t own a Kindle, nor do I order books to read on my iPad, and I don’t expect to. Instead, I will continue to purchase real books, keep them in my home, treasure those I’ve raised my boys loving, and frequent used book stores in person, or purchase from on-line. Never say die.

Hannah - I couldn’t agree with you more! I love our collection of books and our local library. Our shelves at home are spilling over so we’re building more bookcases…a happy project. Love these fudgy looking brownies (and your baking dish)!

Jenny (VintageSugarcube) - Holy Freak’n Batman! I don’t know what I like more; your gorgeous photos or the brownies!! :)

la domestique - I’m obsessed with my carefully curated book collection. I will gladly enjoy a brownie with a cup of tea and a good book. A world without books would be a sad place indeed!

Lisa - I’m so with you—on the books and the brownies!

I do read books on my iPad, but only for convenience purposes and only sometimes! I don’t think I can ever give up “real” books!

Thanks for the thoughts and the recipe :)

Dark Chocolate Zucchini Brownies | Cookie and Kate - [...] I realized that this is the same brownie recipe that Kelsey from Happyolks adapted for her blackberry zucchini brownies. Her recipe goes to show that you can substitute fresh fruit for the chocolate chips if [...]

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