Hearts .........and Chocolate

I love making hearts - I can't believe I haven't had any in my Etsy or 1000 Markets shops for ages! I've fixed that, and hearts have begun making their sweet appearance in my shop once again. I've had some of this beautiful pink chalcedony for quite a while, and decided that it needed to swing from a dainty little heart, so I made one. And I think I feel another one coming soon - I like the way it turned out!

I also made a variation of the original heart style that I have made for years in wire. I shaped the spirals into a nice taper and made the top of the heart just a little bit 3-D. Of course, it needed a dragonfly and a jewel for embellishment, so there they are! Might do another pendant and some earrings, we'll see.

Thinking of Valentines Day made me think about chocolate. I so wish I had some!! I might just be bad today and make some Fudge Pie Brownies, one of our most popular recipes from my days as an innkeeper chef. The recipe is ridiculously easy, and perfect for a sudden chocolate craving. (Also quite good warmed, with vanilla ice cream - mmmmmm!)

Fudge Pie Brownies

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons cocoa
1 cup sugar
2 eggs slightly beaten
1/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
dash salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional

Melt butter in saucepan, remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients, beat well. Pour into 8 or 9 inch lightly greased square pan. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. Cool. Bake slightly longer if using an 8" pan. If you like them extra gooey, just bake for the 15 minutes.