Brownies and Cabin Fever

This is the weirdest winter in a long time. I keep expecting it to be super cold because it is the super cold time of year. But the snow keeps melting and then the whole world seems to turn into a treacherous land of pure ice. Part of me almost wants winter to do it's crazy cold thing. Then it would be over and I could stop worrying that Old Man Winter is lurking around the corner laughing hysterically because he still has killer winds and deathly cold to throw at us. (Good mental image, isn't it? Can wind and cold be in the form of lightening bolts? That is totally how I am picturing Old Man Winter at the moment. Kind of elvish meets greek god. I guess the bolts would be more like icicles...) I want winter to do it's worst so that it can be over.

Basically I am starting to feel like I have a mild case of cabin fever. I feel a bit trapped and uninspired. I want to go out and enjoy the beautiful snowfalls, but there haven't been any good ones to speak of (in the city anyway). The snow falls when I can't enjoy it and it doesn't leave the world in quite the magical wonderland that I hope for. So I make myself a pot of tea and wish that I had some British biscuits to go with it.

Winter also makes me want rich foods. The kind that stick to your bones in the cold. Or just a lot of chocolate. Hot chocolate. Brownies. Chocolate bars. Chocolate caramel pretzels (best. freaking. thing. ever!). Maybe that is why we give people chocolate on Valentines Day. It's a winter chocolate thing.

There is something about going sledding or skating. You have to have hot chocolate to warm up.

So here is a brownie recipe that you can bake for your sweetheart, share with friends or just selfishly eat all by yourself. All I can say, is that you should trust Jamie. I figured that they would be too gooey if didn't cook them a bit longer, but I should have listened. They were still super tasty and will satisfy a pretty intense chocolate craving. If you are a really cheesy person, you even could cut out heart shaped brownies!

Look at all that chocolatey goodness. You know you want one.

Soon the seasons will change, things will start growing and nature will revive. The many colours of spring will refresh our spirits. My mind is already jumping ahead to the colourful patterns of spring and summer. Winter doesn't stop me from wearing colour, but there is something so wonderful about joining spring's declaration of vibrance. 

But until then, I will probably be eating chocolate on a fairly regular basis...