comforts of fall...

Let it be known- I love fall. I realize fall is on it's way out and winter is coming. The prospect of a winter here in Bancroft is a gloomy thought with traveling and all, but today is a crisp fall day. Something about the change in season makes me want to put away the green salads and move onto warm hearty soups, or warm rich brownies in today's case.

Noah, always willing to sample anything in the kitchen, will probably know a lot about cooking when he leaves home, or at least be able to bake a mean dessert. These little bites are super rich, thus the small size. After snitching multiple times in the frostings I couldn't even stomach one, but I know they'll be delish.

Layered Mint Chocolate Brownies
Brownie:
1 C butter
2/3 C cocoa powder
2 C sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 C flour

Mint Frosting:
1/2 C butter, softened
1 lb. powdered sugar
1-3 Tbl milk
1/2 tsp. mint extract (I used essential oil)

Chocolate topping:
1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 C butter (noticing a pattern here?)

Mix butter cocoa, and sugar. Add eggs one a a time, mixing well after each. Stir in flour. Spread into a greased 9 by 12 pan. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes, cool completely.
Mix butter and powdered sugar, add only enough milk for a smooth consistency. Add mint and green food coloring. Frosting will be thick, spread over brownie layer and refrigerate until firm.
Melt chocolate chips with butter in microwave stir well to combine. Pour over frosted brownies, covering completely, refrigerate until topping is hard and set. Cut into small squares, enjoy!

Another love of mine is lentils. Must have been because I lived in Moscow for so long and enjoyed these. Anyway, I used to get these fantastic red lentils at the Food Co-op, but haven't been able to find them around here. I was excited to find them at Walton's Feed last week. (Sorry for all the links, Walton's is great though if you're ever in the area.) It's a good thing I like them since they came in 25 lb. bags. Lots of lentils...today we're trying this recipe, hoping it's yummy, it smells good in the crock pot now. Mmm, here's to fall cooking!