Double Chocolate Crinkles (Recipe)

Have you ever had Chocolate Crinkles?

Sweet Cravings: Double Chocolate Brownie

Today I made the simplest recipe of a chocolate brownie you could find to satisfy our cravings.  It doesn't happen all the time so I don't get to experiment on any exceptional recipe that people boast about. This is what we call "sugar-rush" moments. Something that needs to be satisfied all at once in a big batch.  Sorry peeps! We eat healthier than you might think.  Times like this are what we call precious, because it comes once in a blue moon.  Well, at least, for me.  

I'm pretty much avoiding sugar 100%, whenever I can. Diabetes runs in my long line of familial medical history. My paternal grandmother died of it, my dad has it now.  Chances are one of his daughters, would get it too. Sad to say but genes work in a very predictable way. It passes from mother to son, and father to daughter. Not to all, but at least one of the "most unfortunate" offsprings. I had gestational diabetes on my last pregnancy, which had given me the highest probability of getting it. I was told that Diabetes is one of those lifelong, chronic illnesses that is passed on by genes. Sad but true. So I'm trying to eat healthier and eliminate it in the process.

But for some reason I can't just say no to sugar, especially if chocolates were involved. It's my only weakness so I give in to it whenever I feel the urge. I just make sure I make it with dark chocolates which is the healthiest option for most people.  And I try to consume it in moderation.  Ok, let's keep our fingers crossed there...lol!! I'm glad my son doesn't have a sweet tooth. He prefers fruits than candies , no scrap that, chocolates. He loves candies but prefers vanilla best. Which is good because we have all these to ourselves which probably lasts for 2-3 days. Sounds horrible, huh? But that was it. The next batch would have to count months.

I have to confess that I made use of a Ghirardelli's Chocolate Brownie Mix, and added a cup of dark chocolate morsels into it. I would usually add some pecans or walnuts, but I'm eating it with my daughter, so I have to make it as simple and chocolatey as possible.

Though I would have to research on the healthiest chocolate brownie recipe from scratch, if we want this experience more often.  Perhaps something that would cut down the sugar, or a  natural sugar alternative.  Do you have any recommendations?

Chocolate Muffins

Recently, my kids were craving for Chocolate Muffins.  Our trips to the market had been on a weekly basis just to get the choco-muffin-cravings satisfied.  Until finally, my son suggested to make it instead.  I thought it was a great idea, since they can bake with me anyways.  Glad I have easy access of my recipes on my phone.  So we shopped for the needed ingredients instead and started the ball rolling.

My only mistake is not planning ahead how to blog about this.  So I'm missing the important aspect of this.....pictures while baking with the kids.  I'll keep that in mind next time.  Anyway, my 8-year old son took the task of adding all ingredients, while my 4-year old daughter happily mixed.  I did all the measurements, cracked the eggs, and read the directions out loud. Gavin lined the muffin pans, as I scooped the batter onto it.  My daughter licked clean all the utensils (",).  Not sure if that's even a good idea, I mean the licking part.  But if that would make her happy, so be it!

The ingredients yielded 48 mini muffins.  Yup! 48 mini muffins for my kiddos to gobble up. That I think is not the best idea of all.  So I suggested if we could share some  to school. Two trays (24 pieces) to Gavin's 3rd grade class, and one tray (12 pieces) to Adrianna's preschool.  And one tray to stay at home.  NO DEAL!! They both wanted to keep it and store till the last bite.  I guess I would have to schedule playdates (lots of it!) to help finish up what we've made.  Good idea!!

Fresh from the oven