I haven't posted in so long, but believe me the kitchen is always open and taking on new adventures. But for this snow day, well actually week, I found my inspiration in the magazine "All You" January 16, 2015.
The recipe was ORANGE CHEESECAKE BROWNIES.
As always, I feel due to copyright issues I cannot post the recipe in full here on my blog. But for my dear friends who have decided to take time out of their day to read this entry, if you would like the recipe I will send to you privately.
I made no major changes, except of course for the flour. It called for 2/3 cups all-purpose flour and I substituted it with my new all favorite Gluten Free flour pictured below. I love this flour for a few reasons. First, it already has zanthum gum added so no trying to figure that measurement out. Second, it is cup for cup replacement in recipes. Third, it does not leave a grainy texture to the finished product. Lastly, it is fairly affordable ($12 a bag) and found at my local Kroger store. I know all you Gluten lovers out there are probably saying "Affordable at $12 a bag for only 4 lbs of flour". I say, "YES...this is actually very good for a good GF flour". Yes I can go out and buy cheaper, which I have done in the past. And it is usually a terrible product. See my reason Number 3 - NO grainy texture. I have used cheaper GF flour and literally felt like the cake, cookie, or brownie had sand in it. So gross really! As for me, I really don't use flour at all unless I am on a baking spree. I bought this bag back in November and I still have plenty do make a few more goodies with. I store in freezer to maintain freshness and just have to remember to set out to bring to room temperature before using.
As for the finished product, not bad! It was more like a fudge brownie, which I like. But if you prefer more of a cake brownie this recipe would not be for you. Changes I would make - add more orange zest and maybe even a splash of orange flavoring. The title says Orange Cheesecake Brownies, but seriously I could not taste any orange. The chocolate of the brownie is so powerful and really dominates covering all orange flavor provided by the 1 tsp. orange zest that was added to the cheesecake mixture. So my notes on the recipe have changed the 1tsp. to 2 tsp. orange zest. I will start there and if that still isn't enough, then I may add 1/2 t. orange flavoring.
But who knows, there are so many amazing recipes out there this may be a one hit wonder at my house. This is the down side to moving to Kentucky away from our daughter and at the time her college friends - no one around to eat the goodies I make. Baking has slowed down for me because I truly do not need to eat all these sweets. If we are blessed tomorrow to make it to school, I will have some happy co-workers as they get to enjoy these brownies.
I pray you are all warm and safe! On snow days I truly do try to take the opportunity to use it as a gift from God to slow down and stay put. In my week off school, I ventured out one time (Friday) and only because I was almost out of the basic staples of milk and orange juice. In my house that could be the cause of a revolution. Philippians 4:13 was my daily scripture sent and I absolutely love the reminder "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Whatever your current battle is in your life, and we all have them, I pray this is a gentle reminder for you too. God is so good and so amazing. For me, I can easily get caught up in my own issues that I tend to forget His love for me. Who would have thought 5 years ago I would have had the strength to cut flour out of my diet. Believe me, it is not easy even after all these years. A good slice of pizza and a doughnut are missed dearly. Anyway, as you start this new week, open your heart to God and find strength in Him. Happy Baking!
Final Product