chocolate | Just About Baked

The Perfect Brownie Base

February 16, 2016
Mir
Bars n' Brownies
34 Comments

Finding The One isn’t always that easy.

Sure, finding Kenny wasn’t too bad. I was only 25 when we started dating, so I can’t pretend that I had a huge struggle to meet the man of my dreams. But when it comes to recipes, life can be a bit more complicated.

After several years of baking, I’ve honed my go-to recipes. I have my favorite chocolate cake recipe (thanks, back of the Hershey cocoa container!), my favorite chocolate chip recipe, my favorite blondie base, my favorite cheesecake base, and my favorite peanut butter cookie. But let’s not forget the most important one of them all: the perfect brownie base.

PB Chocolate Banana Breakfast Smoothie

February 15, 2016
Mir
Dessert for Breakfast, Gluten-Free Goodness, Healthier Indulgences, No Bake
26 Comments

Breakfast used to be such a struggle.

It all came down to the word “should.” While I crave sweet every morning, I told myself that I should be getting my nutrients. In an effort to keep the sugar down, I’d make eggs or oatmeal and hate every bite. Those foods work great for me later in the day, but I just couldn’t get down with it.

Then I discovered the protein-packed smoothie. It was like a dream come true. Not only could I have my sweet breakfast, but it would also keep me full all morning. Plus, controlling the sugar content was pretty much up to me. As soon as this revelation occurred, I began blending up my favorite flavor combinations. And really, what’s better than peanut butter, chocolate and banana in the morning?

Valentine’s Day Dipped Oreos

Not much is more annoying than spending a ton of money on something you could have made on your own for cheap.

There’s the convenience factor, sure. Paying someone to make dessert is a lot easier than rolling up your sleeves and doing it on your own, but on Valentine’s Day, we like to pull out all the stops and make the treats ourselves. So why pay a lot of money to an expensive chocolate shop for dipped Oreos?

These are just as good as the ones you pay for, if not better. See, they’re made with Double Stuf Oreos, which have more filling. They’re also blinged out for Valentine’s Day. There’s a video tutorial below, so enjoy!

Mocha Muffins

February 7, 2016
Mir
Cupcakes and Cheesecakes, Dessert for Breakfast, Let Them Eat Cake
30 Comments

Anyone exhausted after a night up watching the Super Bowl? I’ve got the perfect coffee kick for you!

Personally, I’m not a coffee drinker. I’m fairly wired as it is, so I don’t need any chemical help getting going every day. And I was on a decaf kick for a while because it tastes nice, but it also stains your teeth. I guess some people don’t fall prey to that, but I do, which also explains why I gave up green tea. Hot beverages are not my friend.

As a result, I like to get my caffeine kick through dessert, and what better way than with the best muffin I’ve had in quite a while? These pack a nice coffee punch while not being overly sweet, making for a gentle start to the day. We all need that on a tired Monday morning!

Valentine’s Day Bark

February 2, 2016
Mir
Candyland
26 Comments

Oh, bark. How I love you.

This is the chocolate month, the time when everyone forgets their healthy resolutions, turning straight to the chocolate lava cake. It’s only human nature. We can’t be deprived for extended periods.

So if you’re gonna do the chocolate, make bark. It’s a cheap and easy gift for a loved one, or you can eat it all yourself. I have a video tutorial below plus a step-by-step recipe, so keep reading!

Ganache-Covered Cheesecake

January 31, 2016
Mir
Cupcakes and Cheesecakes, Elegant Desserts, Let Them Eat Cake
38 Comments

Did you know that my spell check never knows what "ganache" is? I get the little red line underneath every single dang time. Neither, apparently, does closed captioning. I'm one of those weird people who likes to read my TV,…

Peanut Butter Cup Fondue (PLUS the Perfect Dipping Plate and Video!)

December 29, 2015
Mir
Candyland, Gluten-Free Goodness, Odds n' Ends
24 Comments

How do you fondue?

If you don’t, then there’s a big hole in your life. You know, that void where you have never experienced the joy of dipping food into melty cheese or chocolate. Be sad if you haven’t been there.

But feel free to change your ways, and now! I’m attaching a warning to this recipe: you will eat it and not be able to stop. Be ready. Come with an empty stomach!

Chocolate Raspberry Marzipan Tart

November 24, 2015
Mir
Elegant Desserts, Pie Day
19 Comments

Last one, everyone. Last Thanksgiving dessert. We’ve had a good run!

Over the past several weeks, I’ve given you quite a few Thanksgiving pie options. But I couldn’t resist adding just one more!

As a baking blogger, the holidays provide inspiration and ideas. I love having the time of year do the recipe brainstorming for me, especially when a tart like this is the result. Guys, I kept my very favorite for last. Yes, I’ll play favorites today.

Chocolate Raspberry Ganache Brownie Mini-Torte (GF)

November 19, 2015
Mir
Bars n' Brownies, Elegant Desserts, Gluten-Free Goodness
18 Comments

It’s my 10th anniversary, friends. Today is quite a special day. Too bad I’m at work, teaching America’s future!

This post is not just about this dessert, which I made in honor of love that lasts. It’s about, well, the love that lasts.

For instance, I’ve loved brownies forever, and I always will. Same for chocolate. Same for Kenny. Are we sensing a pattern yet here?

Mini Chocolate Pumpkin Pies

November 15, 2015
Mir
Pastry Cart, Pie Day
38 Comments

Oh, Thanksgiving. How you torture me.

For weeks, I test out pie recipe after pie recipe, putting my very favorites right here on JAB for all to enjoy. But when the big day comes, I have to decide which pies to put on the table. So far, I’m committed to a Dutch apple pie with oat crust and some kind of cookie pie, as well as my pumpkin ganache pie. But that leaves two pies up in the air, plus a non-pie dessert. I’m thinking Kahlua cake.

These little guys are certainly a serious contender. They’re small enough to be portion-controlled (though who wants that on Thanksgiving?), and they have just the right amount of both chocolate and pumpkin. Plus, they’re elegant. I’m quite a fan.