December 10, 2013

WHAT MATCHES A TARTAN PLAID CHRISTMAS? RED VELVET BROWNIES OF COURSE!

Memories in the Making


Do you have your game plan? Let's create a stylish decorating idea for our holiday home! Don't you just love tartan plaids? Somehow, it reminds us of an old-fashioned Christmas, doesn't it? Whether we use it in our formal dining rooms or in our cozy and warm kitchens, we are drawn to times of yesterday!
 

Ring in the holiday with gifts of warmth


Wrap your gifts in beauty.
They will marvel at the loveliness of it all and
anticipate what awaits them underneath all the taffeta ribbons!


A touch of tartan plaid ribbon on your tree looks rustic, yet refined.


Everyday dinnerware gets in the holiday spirit when carefully arranged
with mix-matched china against a bright red and green tablecloth!
Colorful fresh floral centerpieces can be accented with fresh seasonal fruits!
I adore the scent of fresh clementines!


 
There are two things my family loves.....brownies and anything red velvet!
These delectable rich brownies are on the Christmas Eve menu!
An impressive touch of deliciousness!

 
 
 RED VELVET BROWNIES
1 (4-oz.) unsweetened German chocolate bar, chopped
3/4 cup butter
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 (1-oz.) bottle red liquid food coloring
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

 Preheat oven to 350°.  Spray of a 9-inch square pan with cooking spray.

 Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30-second intervals. Whisk in sugar. Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking just until blended after each addition. Gently stir in flour and next 4 ingredients. Pour mixture into prepared pan.

 Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting on top of brownies.

 
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoon butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

 Bring cream cheese to room temperature. Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until blended. Stir in vanilla.  If the frosting is to stiff add a couple of teaspoons of milk, one at a time, until you have reached spreading constancy.

 

 

2 comments:

  1. I almost made something "Red Velvet" today...until I talked with my sister:-) These brownies are amazing and living in the South, I know they would be a big hit for the season, XOXO

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    Replies
    1. Susan! If your family likes red velvet, they are going to LOVE these! I will just bet you make more than one batch...they are that good! Hope you give them a try lovebug! Thank you so much for taking time to visit Estelle's!

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