Auld Lang Syne Brownies and Milk

It will soon be 2010. Where did the year go?

I know a lot of people are making resolutions this year, but to me reflecting on what's transpired in 2009 is just as important as looking ahead. Here's the big question I'd like to end the year with: "What did I learn?"

It's one thing to make mistakes. It's another thing to learn from mistakes. It's another thing entirely to learn from somebody else's mistakes...and from their triumphs.

So please, pull up a chair and join me in a brownie, a glass of milk and some conversation.







Tell us about what you've learned, what's inspired you, or what helps you live a better life.

I'll do my part too. Here are some observations that work for me:


1. Never, ever put yourself down. Ever. And don't let anyone else do it either.

2. Every week, plan at least one activity that you'll look forward to.

3. Eliminate people from your life who are toxic and repetitively drain your energy. It is critically important to surround yourself with supportive people.

4. Before you go to bed each night, remember the happiest experience of the day. When you wake up, expect the day to be a good one.

5. If someone makes a negative comment toward you or tells you you can't do something, consider their motives. It's usually projection and has more to do with them than with you.

6. Make decisions. It's rarely necessary nor helpful to get the opinion of ten people before making a decision. Only you know what's best for you.

7. Stop talking and get going. The more you talk about things, the less likely you are to do them.

8. Learn to enjoy your own company.

9. It turns out health actually is everything. Guard it.

10. Shut off the television. This of course goes with #9 but why not create your own culture? Expose yourself to things that uplift and that are of your choosing. Rent or borrow movies, read, listen to music, take up a hobby. Be wary of letting anyone with a profit motive infiltrate your brain.







Okay, so those are a few insights that I find valuable. What works for you? I look forward to reading your comments below.

In return, I'll share my fabulous brownie recipe with you. It's really quick, easy and delicious.



Auld Lang Syne Brownies

2 sticks butter, melted
395 g. sugar (about 2 cups)
2 tsp. vanilla
4 large eggs
68 g. Valrohna cocoa powder
130 g. flour (about 1 cup)
1/2 tsp. baking powder`
1/4 tsp. salt
Chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13 X 9 " pan with butter.

Place melted butter in bowl of stand mixer. Using paddle attachment stir in sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add cocoa powder and blend.
Add flour, baking powder and salt. Beat well.
Stir in nuts (optional).
Pour into greased pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25-35 minutes.



Most of all, I sincerely hope you have a happy, healthy and joyous New Year.
Here's to the journey in 2010.






Bon Appetit!