Mornings in Colorado begin with layers. First, a pair of leggings and a tight shirt. Then my sweatpants, a long-sleeved top, and a hooded jacket. Margot waits patiently for me at the door as I add a hat, a scarf, and finally my pair of mittens. After living in Austin for 2 1/2 years, I got spoiled with their mild winters. It’s taken me a few weeks to adjust to 30 degrees Fahrenheit at 7:00 in the morning.
But as soon as I step outside, and that cold, dry air hits my face, I understand why I live in Colorado. As I walk up the hill from my house, I’m confronted with tree-covered mountains. On most mornings, the moon still sits in the sky, just above the left-most peak. As I walk down the hill, I see the city, bathed in early morning light. Sunrises in Colorado are beautiful.
And then I’m back in the house, where it’s warm and breakfast is already on the stove. I make a mug of tea, and I sit and write letters and emails to my friends (many of which who now live far away). Margot settles down after her morning walk, finding the highest pillow on our couch to snuggle up with. She barks more here, but that’s because we have deer and rabbits that taunt her. Far more exciting than the family of squirrels that lived on our street in Austin.
On the best days, I bake something sweet for my family. We have had dinner after dinner together, and I don’t know if I’ll ever grow tired of our gatherings. Earlier this week, my mother made a pot roast, and I made a batch of these white chocolate brownies. My family, though they love me, are expert dessert eaters and aren’t shy about what they do and don’t like. When my older sister, Susanne, pronounced that these were some of the best brownies she had ever tasted, I took her compliment for what it was: the honest truth.
What I love about these brownies is their simplicity. Any baker, from beginning to advanced, can make a batch of these on a whim. Moist and fudgy with just the right amount of chocolate balanced by sweetness, these brownies are worth making and sharing, again and again. I added white chocolate chips to the batter, but if you prefer your brownies darker, milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips work perfectly. Just remember, the higher quality of chocolate you use, the better your brownies will taste. I bought bars of Ghirardelli. And by the end of the night, only one square was left.
White Chocolate Brownies
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
4 ounces Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Baking Bar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/8 teaspoon salt
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil or parchment paper; butter or grease well. Chop the 4 ounces of semi sweet chocolate bars into 1″ pieces. In the top of a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl over barely simmering water, melt the 4 chopped chocolate and butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Alternately, melt the butter in the microwave and stir in the chopped chocolate (far easier, believe me).
2. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Stir the brown sugar and vanilla into the chocolate mixture. Add the eggs and mix well. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture, mixing well until blended. Stir in the white chocolate chips and pour the batter into t he prepared pan.
3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a tester comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into 2-inch squares with a plastic knife (trust me, this does wonders!).
I hope your blood has thickened because that 20 degree high on Saturday is going to be brutal! Love love these brownies!
yum! those brownies look great!
Sounds like you’re adjusting well back to Colorado and loving every minute. We miss you here in Austin, but so glad to here that you’re all happy and healthy! These brownies look absolutely delicious – perfect with a mug of hot tea! Thanks for sharing, sweet friend.
There is always something beautiful in the cold. Glad you are enjoying more time with the family.
Monet,
Your brownies are always outstanding, and these are no exception. Glad that you are home with your family:)
High temperatures sound like a dream to me. I went for a walk with my partner and a camera and it was very cold plus it was pouring. Usually I like this kind of a weather, but I start to be tired of it. I need to make your white chocolate brownies to comfort me 🙂
I would probably die in a frozen fit if I had to live in Colorado, but… who knows? It is a beautiful state!
Love the tip about the plastic knife, never thought that would work, but I’m definitely going to remember that on my next batch of brownies…
(you look like the perfect piture of happiness!)
What I love about living in a 4 seasons climate like Colorado is that it makes me appreciate the beauty of each season more. Enjoy the cool crisp air and the warmth inside.
We lived in Florida for years, and I never thought I wanted to see cold weather again. We’re now living in St. Louis, and although it doesn’t get nearly as cold as Colorado, I’m finding I thoroughly enjoy winter weather (don’t much like the ice and snow, though – our favorite outdoor activity is walking, and that makes it difficult). Anyway, such nice brownies! So attractive, and I’ll bet they’re delish. Good stuff – thanks.
can’t believe you’re no longer in austin! i’ll have to visit you in colorado when it’s warmer…
I rarely make brownies because they are so sinful but when I do,I too would love my brownies to look like yours! Delicious! You are so skinny even with that baby bump! So jealous! LOL!
These brownies look amazing! I would love a few slices.
Hi Monet, love your brownies, excellent! Great to go with coffee. Thanks for sharing your lovely pictures.
Have a nice week ahead,take care.
Your description of Colorado is incredible! you are so lucky. those brownies sound incredible
You’re back in Colorado? Wow, I need to catch up! I love Texas, but Colorado is so gorgeous, I think I’d have a hard time staying away too.
These brownies look absolutely wonderful, and I always love a simple dessert recipe.
These look divine! I could eat one right now as dessert for my breakfast. 😉
Colorado is just one of those places I’d love to spend some time walking around and living in. What adorable photos too! You are so right, I need to make these brownies. Like this afternoon. Hugs from Minnesota!
Expert dessert eaters? Sounds like my kinda family 🙂 You look beautiful!
Those look beyond delicious Monet!!! That is the way that I would really like white chocolate. Exactly like that. I just made brownies last night too…must be on the same wave length
It’s so nice to hear about you being home. I come from an extremely tight-knit family with six kids (and now in-laws, nieces, nephews, etc- 20 people in my IMMEDIATE family alone) but I’m the only one who lives away from them, and it’s very hard. Reading your posts about being back with your family is so wonderful.
I am so enjoying reading about your return to Colorado and I’m glad you’re back amongst family. I love white chocolate, so these brownies look just perfect to me.
Ah, but your blood will thicken right back up with some time. I actually have different reactions to the temperature in different places based on my expectations–highs in the low 50s (like now) are pretty cold in our part of NorCal, but when we went to Michigan for xmas, the high 20s there were all brisk and refreshing. 🙂 It sounds like you guys are fitting right back in at home, brownies and all. Yay!
You are known for these sorts of treats. GREG
These brownies are absolutely perfect for every occasion 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Those brownies look divine! What a lovely family you have.
Cheers,
Rosa
How wonderful to be at a time when happiness comes so easily and naturally! I love the analogy of life being a bit like a washing machine (it stops me from ever feelng too complacent and smug or too low). I feel like I also am on an ‘upcycle at the moment – long may it continue for both of us!! “) – and what delicious look brownies!!’
awww…look at the little bump 🙂
and those brownies look “drool-icious!” yes… so good that i just made up a new word…hahha
These look delicious. This post made me miss Colorado. We used to live there and I could almost feel the crisp dry air hitting my face as you described your morning walk. IT really is a special place.
You guys are such a cute couple! I love brisk winter mornings with leggings and a hot cup of tea. These brownies look delicious and I bet they’re completely addicting!
Yay! I’m loving your more frequent posts – and I’m so happy to hear that you’re settling in at home and enjoying time with your family! I grew up on the East Coast US, but my heart definitely belongs in Colorado, near where my dad lives.
These brownies look incredible! I 100% agree on using the best chocolate you can. With a dessert as chocolate-heavy as this one, it’s a necessity! 🙂
These sound wonderful. How thrilled you must be to be back at home again. I just stopped by to wish you a Happy New Year. I hope all is well. Blessings…Mary
Aww I see your baby bump! I miss having a baby inside me…(when I’m not having morning sickness tho!). I love your brownies – look so delicious! I wish to visit Colorado one day… 🙂
I love baking for family. I put more love into those bakes. What a great recipe. I love simple but delicious. Hope you are doing well.
Mmm.. white chocolate in brownies is spectacular!
I’m still not adjusted to the cold mornings in Ohio either, but love being close to family. They would love these brownies too!
Great family photos! I was cold just to read about morning in Colorado! 🙂
It sounds like Colorado is agreeing with you. Out here in California we are spoiled and when it’s 50 you will shivering, lol. I’m so glad you are enjoying your family, I think it’s just what you needed, I kind of need a brownie myself.
-Gina-
I love that you added white chocolate. On its own, it’s a little too sweet for me but it’s so great added into other things!
I have a bag of white chocolate chips sitting in my pantry waiting to be put to good use. Thanks for giving me a reason to! These brownies look so satisfying 🙂
YUM!
I love a good brownie Monet!
I also love that you include a pic of yourself in the post. It is fantastic to watch the “bump” grow 🙂
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