It’s Only Tuesday, But What a Week It’s Been!
Hello my darlings,
Oh, what a week it’s been, and would you believe it’s only Tuesday! The holiday season may not be upon us quite yet, but here at the North Pole, it always feels like Christmas is just around the corner—especially when I have a busy week like this one. But truth be told, I love a busy week. There’s something special about the hustle and bustle, the warmth it brings to the home, and the satisfaction of ticking off that ever-growing to-do list (providing I keep track of that list I made..a common problem I have with list).
The Blessing of Hosting Bible Study at Our Home
Tomorrow, we’re hosting our Bible study here at home, and oh, how I look forward to it. There’s just something so enriching about sharing the Word of God with others. The knowledge we gain, the fellowship we have, and the blessing it brings to our home—it all fills me with such joy.
And then there’s the food, my darlings! Oh, the food we share after our study! It’s a delight, and I must admit, I’ve been cooking up a storm in preparation.
Baking Chewy Chocolate Brownies for Bible Study Fellowship
Bible study days are always special for me, and I love having everyone gather here in our cozy kitchen. The warmth from the wood stove, the twinkling garlands draped over the shelves, and the laughter that fills the room—it’s all such a blessing. Of course, Jingles and Bell, our beloved St. Bernards, have been my faithful helpers all day. Well, by helpers, I mean they’ve been lying right in the middle of the kitchen, making sure I trip over them at least twice. They’re such rascals, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now, as you might have guessed—I have been cooking up a storm for tomorrow’s gathering. Most often, we keep it simple with dessert and coffee after Bible study. Once in a while, we’ll gather for dinner, but usually, everyone grabs a bite beforehand, and we all look forward to the treats afterward.
And what treat could be better than my all-time favorite, chewy chocolate brownies? Oh, these brownies are something special, I tell you. They’re Santa’s favorite too, and they’re made with good old butter, just the way they should be. This time of year, I top them off with some festive Christmas-colored sprinkles to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Jingles, Bell, and a Mishap with the Christmas Tree
Let me tell you, my darlings, today has not been without its mishaps. You see, I had everything planned out perfectly. I woke up early, had my list ready, and was all set to bake those delicious brownies. I even managed to make it through my morning coffee without a single interruption—a small miracle in this house.
But just as I was about to start melting the butter, I heard a loud thud from the living room. Jingles and Bell had knocked over the tree—yes, the tree that Santa and I had just put up for our early holiday decorating. Somehow, in their excitement, they had managed to bump it, and down it went, garlands, lights, and all.
Oh, my darlings, you can imagine the scene. There were ornaments rolling everywhere, Jingles trying to catch one as it spun across the floor, and Bell just looking at me with that innocent “I didn’t do it” face. I had to laugh. It’s times like these that remind me why I love this chaotic, wonderful life so much. So, instead of baking my brownies right away, I spent the next hour setting the tree back up, untangling lights, and giving those silly dogs a good talking-to—not that they listened, of course.
The Joy Found in Simple Moments of Baking and Fellowship
But after all the excitement, I finally made my way back to the kitchen. I took a deep breath, put on my apron, and got to work. There’s something almost therapeutic about baking, isn’t there? The way the ingredients come together, the smell of chocolate filling the kitchen, and the warmth from the oven—it’s like magic.
I used my favorite old-fashioned recipe for chewy brownies. It’s simple, really, but oh-so-good. Butter, sugar, eggs, cocoa, a touch of vanilla, and just enough flour to bring it all together. I mixed everything up, poured it into the pan, and before long, the house was filled with the most heavenly aroma.
A Time for Learning, Fellowship, and Brownies
As the brownies were baking, I couldn’t help but think about how much joy these simple moments bring. The brownies are a small thing, really, but they’re a part of what makes our Bible study gatherings so special. It’s not just about the food, of course, but about the love that goes into making it, the laughter we share as we eat, and the warmth that fills the room as we gather together. It’s in these moments that I feel truly blessed.
Of course, Jingles and Bell were right there by my side the entire time. I think they were hoping for a taste of the batter, but I told them they’d have to wait until tomorrow like everyone else. They’re such characters, those two.
After all the baking was done, I sat down with a cup of tea, the brownies cooling on the counter, and just watched the snow falling outside the window. It was one of those moments where everything felt just right, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful.
Until Next Time, My Darlings
So, tomorrow, we’ll gather here, friends old and new, for a time of learning, sharing, and fellowship. We’ll open our Bibles, discuss the Word, and grow together in faith. And afterward, we’ll enjoy those chewy chocolate brownies—Santa’s favorite, and mine too—topped with festive sprinkles to remind us that Christmas is never far away here at the North Pole. I hope they bring a little bit of joy to everyone who comes through our door.
Well, my darlings, that’s it for now. I have a few more things to tidy up before tomorrow, and I’m sure Jingles and Bell are just waiting for another opportunity to get into mischief. Thank you for spending a bit of your day with me.
Remember, it’s the simple things—like a good brownie, a warm kitchen, and the love of those around us—that make life so beautiful.
Until next time, take care of yourselves, and may your days be filled with laughter and love.
With all my love,
Mrs. Claus
Mrs. Claus’s Old-Fashioned Chewy Butter Brownies Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1.5 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs (or 6 medium)
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Festive sprinkles (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Optional Add-Ins:
If you like, stir in 1 cup of chopped nuts for some extra texture and flavor.
5. Pour the Batter into the Pan:
Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
6. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake—chewy brownies are best when slightly underdone in the center.
7. Add Festive Sprinkles (Optional):
If you’d like to give the brownies a holiday flair, sprinkle red, green, and white festive sprinkles over the brownies while they’re still warm.
8. Cool and Slice:
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will help them set and make for clean slices.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy these rich, chewy brownies with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Perfect for sharing during Bible study or any festive gathering!
PS YOU CAN MAKE A CHOCOLATE FROSTING TO PUT ON THE BROWNIES ONCE COOLED, BEFORE SPRINKLES BUT NOT NEEDED. IF YOU ARE JUST USING SPRINKLES THEY ARE BEST APPLIED WHEN BROWNIE ARE PULLED FRESH OUT OF THE OVEN.