I was asked to make some goodies for a meeting and for some reason, everytime someone asks me to bake for them, I come up with 3 things that I want to make. I usually want to make something fruity, something chocolately, and then something else.
There are quite a few cookies and bars I have been wanting to make out of Martha Stewart's Cookies Cookbook. I really love how there is a picture of every single cookie in this cookbook at the front. It helped me decide which ones to choose. Pictures are really helpful to me when it comes to picking desserts.
All of these recipes came together really fast.
I had some key lime juice in the freezer and it just happened to be enough for these bars. I made the bars in a pie plate and ended up cutting them into triangles. I didn't have any key lime slices to use as a garnish, so I used strawberries.
The peanut butter brownies were fabulous! We really didn't get to try a normal serving size of any of these desserts, but we sampled small portions of each one. I think the brownies were the favorite with the taste-testers.
The mini black-and-whites were a soft, buttermilk cookie, with a delicious, lemony glaze. They were the perfect size to pop in your mouth.
Peanut-Butter Swirl Brownies
To swirl brownies, work quickly so that batter and filling don't set, and place dollops of filling on the first layer of batter about one inch apart. Repeat with next layer of batter and remaining filling. Then, run a butter knife through the layers three times lengthwise and three times crosswise, being sure knife reaches the bottom of the pan. Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Ingredients
Makes 9 large or 16 small squares.
FOR THE BATTER
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for pan
2 ounces good-quality unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
4 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
FOR THE FILLING
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a buttered 8-inch square baking pan with foil or parchment paper, allowing 2 inches to hang over sides. Butter lining (excluding overhang); set pan aside.
Make batter: Put butter and chocolates in a heatproof medium bowl set over a pan of simmering water; stir until melted. Let cool slightly.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, and set aside.
Whisk granulated sugar into chocolate mixture. Add eggs, and whisk until mixture is smooth. Stir in vanilla. Add flour mixture; stir until well incorporated.
Make filling: Stir together butter, confectioners' sugar, peanut butter, salt, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.
Pour one-third of batter into prepared pan, and spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Place dollops of filling (about 1 tablespoon each) about 1 inch apart on top of batter. Drizzle remaining batter on top, and gently spread to fill pan. Place dollops of remaining filling on top.
With a butter knife, gently swirl filling into batter, running knife lengthwise and crosswise through layers. Bake until a cake tester inserted into brownies (avoid center and edges) comes out with a few crumbs but is not wet, about 45 minutes. Let cool slightly in pan, about 15 minutes. Lift out brownies; let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Coming Tomorrow- Quinoa Risotto with Hazelnuts
19 comments:
the peanut butter swirl brownies looks terrific!
A delicious assortment of desserts. I'd personally want to try them all, but my husband would especially love the swirl brownies! I still have not tried baking with lime! :P
I've made the B&W cookies before and LOVED them. The PB brownies are so pretty. Everything looks delicious!
Everytime I see something from you, I want to try it.. quinoa, swirled brownies.. if only I had the time! I still remember that chocolate bundt cake you made a long time ago that I still didn't get a chance to try yet.
I don't blame you, I couldn't choose one I want them all. The swirl brownies really have me though!
These all look heavenly! Thank you so much for your advice on the carrot cookies. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. I'm going to give your recipe a try this weekend. I am still feeling discouraged after trying Martha's recipe. I posted that recipe today and have labeled them as the cookies that HATE me! I JUST LOVE your blog!
I'm a bit overwhelmed by the deliciousness of this post! :) Everything looks great. The PB swirl brownies would be my fave.
All three desserts look yummy! It's hard to choose a recipe when you need to make something, isn't it... like you, I want to make LOTS of stuff!
*Sigh* Where do I begin? It all looks so incredible. The beneficiaries of your baking prowess are a lucky, lucky bunch, Mary Ann!
Each of these desserts look fabulous! My hubby has been asking for a key lime dessert lately! That's really cool how the Martha Stewart book has a picture of each cookie - I honestly wish all cookbooks had a picture of each recipe. It really helps me decide whether I will like it or not.
I love your philosophy on figuring out what to make and someone asks you to bring something. I may have to start adopting that as well.
Mary Ann, those key lime bard looks so delicious! I love key lime anything!!
I love it when I get asked to bake, I can never decide on just one recipe either. They all look great!
I always love seeing your desserts and cakes! I was drooling reading this post. :-)
The cookie stealing bunny may be coming for those pb brownies...
You definitely spoiled them with 3 different desserts :) Love the swirled brownies!
Wow!!! So much baking When do you find the time. And it all looks so good.
I was going to comment on your most recent post, but the amazing bounty of delicious treats on this one caught my eye instead!
NAOmni
You amaze me with all your baking, cooking and blogging! You are awesome. I love those peanut butter brownies too!!! Everything looks delicoius.
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