Trying to find the Perfect Recipe is like trying to find the Perfect Guy…

A few weeks ago, I was on a mission to find a new dessert recipe to make for Thanksgiving. As the search went on, I slowly began to realize that the task of finding the perfect recipe is oddly similar to trying finding the perfect guy.

First, when I look for a recipe I find that I have a slight preconceived idea of what I am looking to bake. I tend to look for something slightly unique, and at the same time something relatively simple (related to both the ingredients and the baking process). The same thing applies to guys. We all have those things we look for in a man. Standards that we hope they can fulfill…tall, college educated, physically fit, working, sense of humor, good personality, etc. Every baker has their own idea of what kind of recipe they are looking for, just like every woman has her own standards for what kind of guy she is looking for.

Next comes the actual searching. When I am looking for that perfect recipe I tend to look in multiple places. Just like trying to find a guy…You go to different spots, different bars, and different places of interest seeking out someone who might fit with what you’re looking for. And as an alternative to going out to find a guy, sometimes you look to others to try and set you up…similar, in fact, to a recipe swap.

Finally you come across a recipe, or a guy, that looks appealing. So you decide to go for it and try it out. You buy the ingredients for the recipe, or you buy a new outfit for a date. Then the testing begins. You follow the recipe as best possible, just like you follow the “rules of engagement” on a date. There are certain steps that you have to take when baking, just like there are certain steps you have to take when you go out with someone. And just like you have to do a taste test once everything is baked, that’s kind of like getting a good night kiss at the end of a date. You have to see if all of those ingredients come together to form something delicious and magical.

And if you find that things didn’t turn out the way you hoped…maybe the cake cracked, maybe the sugar didn’t caramelize, maybe the conversation was lacking, maybe the chemistry wasn’t there…well then you start all over again, searching for that perfect recipe; for that perfect guy until eventually everything mixes together to form a perfect union.

Trick or Treat

So this weekend was Halloween. Normally it’s my least favorite holiday of the year (with exception to the fact that it revolves mainly around candy). Besides that though, trying to figure out what to be from year to year is always a stressor for me. Do I look cute or funny? It’s a chilly time of year but most costumes for girls are on the skimpy side, so is there a way to look cute while also being semi-warm?  Can I find something that makes me feel comfortable and happy? Oh and lastly there is always the impending thought of “it’s once a year, I am not going to spend a fortune on a costume.”


So this year I was determined tofind the perfect costume, taking into consideration all of the above thoughts. So I googled away, and finally after searching through countless sites for unique costume ideas, I stumbled upon the winner. Flo, the Progressive Insurance girl! It was cute, it was simple, it was comfortable, it was funny, and it was pretty unique. So I ordered the Progressive apron and the ‘I (heart) Insurance’ button. I went out and bought a white polo shirt, black & white Vans sneakers, and a blue head band. Ran to Walgreen’s and purchased some red lipstick and liquid mascara. Had my friend (Betty Boop) poof my hair and flip out the ends and here is what it turned out to look like (not too shabby if you ask me)

Now how, you ask, does this relate to food? Well it doesn’t except to say that I was so focused on my Halloween costume that I totally forgot to think of something to make for the party I was attending. Now I don’t know about you, but now that I have established myself amongst my friends as “the baker” I don’t feel right attending a social event without some type of fabulous baked good. So it was time to dig deep down into my bag of baking tricks, and pull out something yummy, easy &quick, and something I could make a lot of. The end result: Symphony Brownies! I have made them before, but they are always a hit. Now, it’s not my recipe. It’s Paula Dean’s (must give credit where credit is due). But it is one of the best brownie recipes I have come across so far in my baking adventures. Here is what you do:

Buy any boxed brownie mix you like. Also, buy 3 Nestle Symphony chocolate bars (the large ones with the almonds and toffee). For each box mix you buy, you need 3 chocolate bars. Follow the directions on the box for making the batter. Separately, line a 13x9 baking pan with foil, enough so the foil is handing off the edges, and spray the foil with non-stick spray. Pour half of the brownie batter into the pan and spread evenly. Then, place the three chocolate bars on the batter so they cover the majority of the surface. Then pour the remaining balance of the batter onto the top of the bars and spread that out to cover. As per the directions on the box, place in the pre-heated oven and bake accordingly. Once the brownies are baked let them cool, remove from tray and flip over, peel off foil and cut into squares. Perfectly decadent brownies every time.

So my Halloween was a success. My costume was perfect and I baked a brownie treat that all enjoyed. It just goes to show you that we all have our special tricks for making the perfect treats.