Cookies for a Cause Winners!
I had planned on posting the winnerS of the Cookies for a Cause Contest last night, but the universe had another idea in mind for me, so I am officially posting the winnerS today.
Originally, I had planned only picking only one winner but since I had only two participants and I love them both so very much for playing I am going to reward each entrant with a prize!
The first place prize goes to Yerttle!
I cannot believe what an outstanding job this lovely girl did promoting her SocialVibe Cause. Yerttle chose to support the American Red Cross, as this organization is so near and dear to her big young heart. During the time of the contest there was a terrible tornado in Joplin, Missouri, which is located very close to her home town. The Red Cross was of course a huge help to the folks whose lives were ripped apart in this terribly unfortunate disaster. Yettle proved to her readers not only that she was on the right track by encouraging them to donate a few moments of their time but also that this was a worthy cause which would help disaster victims in ways that are selfless and priceless.
The second place prize is going to CaryBear21!
CaryBear21 participated by adding the SocialVibe widget to support DonorsChoose, which is an organization that helps underfunded classrooms afford supplies. This cause is a bit different then others, as the teachers are lucky enough to select which supplies would benefit their classrooms the best. Although Cary didn’t have the results that I am sure she was hoping for I am super happy that she chose to participate, and in turn, has made a difference in the lives of others.
If you haven’t checked out the blogs of Yerttle and CaryBear21 yet, please do so! Both of these women are very lovely bloggers who stepped up to the plate in order to make a difference in the lives of strangers. Aside from being so kindhearted I am subscribed to both of their blogs because they are wonderful writers, photographers and women in general.
Now, because I chose 2 winners for the Cookies for the Cause instead of the one I originally planned, I have decided to not only send the originally stated prize to Yerttle and to Cary, but I am also going to include in Yerttles’ gift basket of yummy cookies a $10 gift card so that she can make a donation in her name to the RedCross for any of the categories she chooses. I was going to donate to the cause myself but I want this to be in her name because of her passion for the cause. I have a feeling she will pick the Help for Military Members and Their Families, but the choice will totally be up to her!
So, with all of that being said, if the lovely Yerrtle and CaryBear21 would email me (bratcakess@gmail.com) their shipping addresses and a tiny little clue so I can be sure the email is from you I will get started on making the gift baskets that you both certainly deserve! Also, please let me know if you have any nut allergies so I can accommodate!
Thank you both so much for participating and also thank you so much for taking the time to make a difference in other peoples lives.
If any other readers want to help you still can! Please click on my SocialVibe widget or either of these girls widgets! It only takes a minute or two and really can lead to a big impact. While you are at it, if you come across any other bloggers who have a SocialVibe widget, click on theirs also or you could even add your own widget!
And now for a recipe because today should be a winning day for everyone!
Does anyone recogonize this picture? These were the brownies I made for the lovely Miss Dacia (her’s didn’t have the nuts though) for the first contest I had run a ways back. They are fan-freaking-tastic. Anyone who has a sweet tooth, loves chocolate, fudge, brownies, or sugar will want to make these. Don’t be intimidated by all of the ingredients, they really are very easy to make and even easier to eat.
Shirley’s Fudgy Brownies from the best baking cookbook I own, BakeWise by Shirley O. Corriher
INGREDIENTS:
1 & 1/2 cups pecans (can be omitted per your preference)
1 & 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut in 1 tbs pieces, divided (remove 2 TBS butter if not adding nuts)
Non-stick cooking spray
12 oz semi sweet chocolate, chips or finely chopped
1 oz German Chocolate
4 large eggs (room temp)
3 large egg yolks (room temp)
1 & 1/2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 & 1/2 cups bleached all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
METHOD:
Arrange a shelf in the middle of oven – preheat 400 degrees (149 celsius)
Spread pecans on baking sheet roast for 10 minutes; after removing, while nuts still hot combine them with 2 TBS butter, when cool coarsley chop & set aside (this step may be removed)
Line 13x9x2 inch pan with parchment sprayed LIGHTLY with non-stick spray. Allow overhang on both sides for easy removal of brownies once done
Place remaining 1 & 1/2 cups butter around edges of microwave safe bowl (or double broiler) Place choclated in the center and melt in microwave 1 minute (or in double broiler) stirring frequently until fully melted. Set aside
In a large bowl beat the eggs with a fork to combine whites and yolks. With a minimum of hand stirring, stir together eggs, yolks, sugars, corn syrup, vanilla and salt.
By hand, with minimum stirring, add melted chocolate to egg mixture. Stir in the flour (make sure it is well combined.. no lumps, I made this error and it ruined the batch!!)
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth out.
Add pecans to batter in the pan and lightly press down and smooth out, covering the nuts with the batter lightly. (this step may be removed)
Place pan into preheated oven and bake until brownies pull away from the edge of the pan, about one hour. A toothpick inserted should come out wet with gooey chocolate.
Cool completely in the pan on a rack. Once cooled remove using flaps and cut into 2 inch squares. Wrap in plastic wrap individually and store refrigerated for best results.
Ginger Couturier 