Sinful and Sweet

Okay, I've got your attention now, don't I??? Mention sin and throw in a seductive picture of brownies exposed in all their pornographic glory ... well, I know that's all it takes to lure me into a post!

But now that you're paying attention, let me get on to what is actually a demure and charming notion: a Holiday Open House being hosted by Carol of the fabulously titled The Answer Is Chocolate.

Here is the invitation that Carol issued:

What better time to have a holiday themed link party than in the middle of Summer? It's never too early to get ready for the holidays, so I thought I'd do this once a month through September, then weekly! Please link up decor, cards, gifts you've made, recipes...anything that goes from Halloween through New Year's! I realize it's early yet so even if it's not for / from this year, link it up because a lot of us are new since last holiday season and who can't use a new inspiring idea?

Very well said! No matter how many traditions we may have, no matter how many tried-and-true recipes we may rely upon, no matter how many cute crafty things we (well, not we but all the rest of you who have a talent for it!) may love to make, there is always a need for refreshment and for inspiration and for updating.

Now, regular readers will know that I'll celebrate almost anything! Here is a list of just a few holidays -- secular, religious, and otherwise -- that I partake of:

January 25: Robbie Burns Day, in honor of Scotland's greatest poet

March 17: St. Paddy's Day, since I'm 1/4 Irish

June 16: Bloomsday, commemorating James Joyce's Ulysses

September 8 (this year, at least): Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year

Oh, the list goes on and on ... I even celebrated National Peanut Butter Cookie Day!

But for now, we're focusing on those Winter holidays. Frankly, though, brownies are perfect for birthdays, pic-a-nics, and barbecues in addition to either serving or gift-giving at Christmas. They're ridiculously easy to make, too, which makes them ideal for the chaotic and crazed holiday season.

And really, what better way is there to relax after a day of shopping or wrapping or travelling than to sit back and watch the snow fall with a brownie and a cup of cocoa??? Ah, it almost -- almost -- makes me long for cold weather ....


White Chocolate 'n' Cherry Brownies

1/2 cup butter

1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped

6 tablespoons cocoa powder

2 tablespoons oil

2 eggs

1-1/4 cups sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons brewed coffee

3/4 cup unbleached flour

1/2 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup white chocolate chips
1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour a 9"-square baking pan.

Place the butter and the unsweetened chocolate into a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl; heat until melted, and stir to combine. Stir in remaining ingredients until very well blended. Pour into pan, then bake for 25-30 minutes until a tester comes out with a few crumbs attached. Cool completely before cutting.