Winter doldrums

My body must be tired of winter. I have a craving for all things citrus. Yes, I know, here in North America, winter is the season when citrus fruits are at their most abundant. And cheapest. I suspect it has something to do with the growing season in the parts of the world where citrus fruits are grown. But I digress.

Thinking about oranges, lemons, etc. makes me think of summer. Might it have something to do with my summer drink of gin and tonic, with a wedge of lime? Perhaps. Regardless, right now, I can’t get enough of those citrus flavours. I’m drinking two or three large glasses of orange juice instead of my usual one small glass, used to wash down my multi-vitamin. I bought a jar of lemon curd, thinking I’d make a yummy sounding ginger cake with lemon frosting. That jar is now empty. Turns out lemon curd is delicious on toast.

I was in Target yesterday, and whilst standing in the check-out line, I was sorely tempted to buy a bag of gummy fruits, knowing full well I’d eat only the orange, green and yellow pieces. My mouth is watering right now thinking of the sweet/tart taste.

Yesterday afternoon, I gave in to my yearning. I also had a bunch of sad looking Clementine’s that needed using, so it was the perfect excuse. I went online, as you do, to search for a yummy recipe that involved oranges and cake, and found this. Oh my golly good heavens above, it is some good. I altered the recipe only in that I poked holes in the cake with a fork and drizzled the very hot glaze over the still warm cake while it was in the pan. Moist, orangey deliciousness.

I think a slice would make a great afternoon snack. So glad you agree with me.

I made brownies.

I know, not exactly a "stop the presses" moment. I've made brownies more times than I can remember. From scratch and by doctoring a mix.

But the brownies I made yesterday may just be the best brownies ever made, ever.

I wanted to make something for dessert for the evening meal and I was undecided. I flipped through a couple of cookbooks, including one that is a collection of 100 varieties of a basic cookie recipe (many of which I've made, and they are yummy). Nothing piqued my interest.

So I went online and headed to one of my favourite sites, Good Food. I did a search for cakes and chocolate, because if it isn't chocolate, well, then, pshaw! And I found Fudgy Coconut Brownies. Oh my, good heavens, holy moly. The recipe is written for those in the UK, and, fortunately, I have a food scale so didn't have to do any brain-hurting conversions.

These brownies are rich, chocolatey, and buttery. The coconut is not at all overpowering, but just gives it a little bit of something extra. I believe I've finally found my go-to brownie recipe.