Specialty Coffee and Brownies for Thirtysomething

Some days you just need a brownie. And a really great cup of coffee. 

Not just any brownie mind you. And not just any coffee.

Some days you need decadent, fudgy brownies and coffee with a kick. 

There is a lovely southern mom and blogger (not to be defined by these two terms alone) over at 

thirtysomethingland (Life in the Land of Mama Grits)

Mama Grits is in need of a really good brownie. I am throwing in the Specialty Coffee just in case the brownies don't do it by themselves. 

If you're having a manic Monday, a rainy day, a relaxing day, company, a day by yourself or you just feel like splurging, bake yourself up some brownies, pour yourself this cup of Joe and head on over to "Mama Grits" for a good read. 

My Family's Brownies (makes a 9 inch pan)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup flour

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Butter a 9 inch pan. 

Melt chocolate and butter over very low heat (or use a double boiler). Stirring until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar, eggs, salt, flour, vanilla and nuts (if using).

Pur into prepared pan. 

Bake a SCANT 30-35 minutes. Do not overbake. 

Cool on rack at least 30-40 minutes before slicing. 

(Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted 1 inch from the side comes out ALMOST clean)

For a variation, halfway through baking, sprinkle with a 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Honest, sea salt, the combination of sweet and salty is unbelievably good. 

Coffee with a Kick: (for two)

Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and a 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon to your coffee grounds. Brew enough coffee of two large glasses. (4 to 6 cups)

Coffee

Bailey's Irish Cream

Cinnamon

Heavy Cream for whipping

1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Place 1 inch Bailey's in the bottom of a wine glass. 

Meanwhile, whip about 1/4 cup heavy cream, halfway through whipping, add powdered sugar, continue to beat until stiff peaks form. 

Pour coffee over Bailey's, top with whipped cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon. 

Cut the brownies. 

Eat and drink. (sigh)