These brownies aren’t the only crazy thing happening around here this week, though they are insanely fudgy and I made boxes of these for friends who loved them and I’m selling them online here so if you want them without so much as stepping a toe into your kitchen, I can make that happen now.
Crazy? I love crazy.
Just about 45 minutes ago, I got off an epic long late-night phone call (yes, it’s 3 AM and I manually pressed the Publish button on this post) with my friend. I’ve been prone to lots of anxiety and high-stress nights lately for seemingly no reason, so catching up with her (instead of spending the evening wringing my wrists to a pulp) was a pleasant change of pace.
At one point, she mentioned rereading this blog post I published back in June about defining self-worth–if you haven’t read it yet, I spill a whole bunch of juicy confessions in it about my life and insecurities that are interesting and probably mildly entertaining. From there, we started talking about just about everything: about the difficulty of living up to expectations, feeling burnt out from Life, piecing together bits of our life through expert stalking social media surfing, the recent guys in my idiosyncratic love life, and, oh yeah: my recent tendency to eat my feelingz.
Mostly because #school. And maybe some of the aforementioned guys stuff. (Thankfully none of them think big-picture enough to actually read my blog #middleschoolalloveragain)
With these brownies just schlumming around the house all the time now and getting wrapped up for Etsy orders, I shouldn’t be surprised I’m eating my weight in feelings these days. Thick, fudgy, gooey, crunchy feelings.
However, one of the best reminders to come up in our conversation was the importance of taking time to reflect on our own lives. I confess: I don’t do this nearly as much as I should, in part because I feel guilty whenever I slow down enough to think clear thoughts.
What about you: Do you have that one post, article, story, or other thing you turn to when you’re feeling uninspired?
I thought I’d wrap up this kind of weird, 3 AM limbo post by sharing a few of my go-to’s. (Note: some of them are very specific to my tastes, but these are really the things I look at when I’m feeling like a bluesy doozy.)
Some of the most inspirational content out there, ever:
- The BIG Wish by Lilac Summers: Yes, it is Sailor Moon fanfiction…WAIT! I kid you not, this is also one of the best pieces of humorous, light, witty, developed humor I have read anywhere, ever. It also sparked my foray into creative writing in high school, and even though I haven’t reread it in years, it’s still one of the first inspirations to come to mind. If ever you descend to the underworld of Moonie nerdom, do yourself a favor and read this. Even if you know zip zero about SM, you’re going to love this read.
- Portraits of Reconciliation: Don’t read this photo-article if you aren’t ready for some major feels, and possibly some tears. The article summary says: “20 years after the genocide in Rwanda, reconciliation still happens one encounter at a time.” Photographer Pieter Hugo traveled to Rwanda and took photos of genocide instigators & victims, together, in absolutely stunning acts of forgiveness.
- The Friendzoner vs. The Nice Guy: This short comic isn’t inspirational per se, but it’s sure as heck something my friends joke with me about all the time, because apparently I’m the world’s worst friendzoner, period. I just love what she has to say about disparity in expectations and the whole frustrating process of finding dependable friends in the first place.
- The Sneaky Hate Spiral: Back when I was going through crazy life things (which I talk about in this blog post I mentioned earlier), this was THE post I read over. And over. And over again. I had so many frustrations bottled up inside me I thought I was about it bite a manatee’s head off–rereading was probably safer. If you read her cartoons, you’ll know that she is currently struggling with depression–but she is an amazing gal and I always have my fingers crossed that she’ll pop back up on her feet someday soon.
- Peter Pan at Disneyland: Believe it or not, there are entire online communities devoted to Pan Girls, or gals who share their experiences with the wonderful phenomenon that is Peter Pans @ Disneyland Resort. Though I can’t vouch for the validity of these stories, some of them are heart-wrenchingly inspirational (some feature people who have done self-harm, and Peter’s in-character responses to them). I’ll admit, I basically turn into a fat puddle of tears every time I read these.
If you’ve got any inspirational links to share, please do in the comments! Goodness knows I could use some of your favorite pick-me-ups this week.
And maybe some of these brownies! Agreed?
Share your inspirational article/story/meme/comic in the comments so it can be my new fav, too!
Rocky Road Brownies for #SundaySupper
Using the same fudgy brownie base as my German Chocolate Brownies recipe, these Rocky Road Brownies are a heaven of texture and taste. Gooey marshmallows and perfectly toasted walnuts make this a simple, elegant, and budget-friendly recipe for any occasion! One of my favorite brownie recipes to date.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee grounds
- 1/2 tablespoon Kahlua
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 2/3 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter with sugar.
- Stir in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Dissolve coffee grounds into Kahlua completely. Add to wet mixture.
- Mix in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined into wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Sprinkle marshmallows and walnuts on top, then continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the marshmallows are toasted and the brownie layer just set but still fudgy. Allow to cool completely on stovetop before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Scrumptious Mains (Breakfast and Dinner)
- Curry Baked Chicken Wings from Chocolate Moosey
- Shrimp Fried Rice from The Redhead Baker
- Spicy Marinated Steak Tacos from Nik Snacks
- Vegan Black Bean Soup from Killer Bunnies, Inc
- Slow Cooker Swiss Steak from Nosh My Way
- Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili from Peaceful Cooking
- Curry Veg Soup from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Beef from Noshing With The Nolands
- Tortelini and Cannelini Minestrone with Spinach from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Addictive Korean Beef Bowl from A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
- Grilled Lemon Chicken with Corn Salad from Brunch with Joy
- Five Bean Chili from The Foodie Army Wife
- Vaca Frita from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Chicken Pot Pie Turnovers from The Life and Loves of Grumpy’s Honeybunch
- Spaghetti Squash Nests with Meatballs from Curious Cuisiniere
- Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Cauliflower Chowder from Flavor Mosaic
- Individual Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Cups from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole from Yours And Mine Are Ours
- Mac, Veggie and Cheese Casserole from Cooking Chat
- Loaded Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Chicken Pot Pie Cupcakes from Having Fun Saving
- Vegetable Fried Rice from Basic N Delicious
- Comforting White Bean-Pancetta Soup from The Weekend Gourmet
- Mujadara with Lebanase Salata from Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Hunters Stew from Simply Healthy Family
- Brats and Kraut from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
- Beef Taco Soup from Fit Foodie Runs
- Slow Cooker “Hash Brown” Breakfast Casserole {#lowcarb #glutenfree} from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
- French Toast Pigs in a Blanket from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Orecchiette Pasta with Brie, Broccoli and Tomatoes from Family Foodie
- Gluten Free Spinach and Feta Frittata from Gluten Free Crumbley
Satisfying Sides
- Tender Whole Wheat Bread from What Smells So Good?
- Austin-Style Black Beans from The Texan New Yorker
- Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls w/Creamy Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce from Daily Dish Recipes
Sweet Treats
- Apple Blackberry Crisp from Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
- Brown Sugar Shortbread from Shockingly Delicious
- Rock Cakes from Happy Baking Days
- Incredible White Chocolate Brownies from The Perfect Brownie
- Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl
- Autumn Spice Truffles from Desserts Required
- Profiteroles with Caramel Drizzle from Food Lust People Love
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake Donuts from NinjaBaking.com
- Carrot Cake Sheet Cake from Pies and Plots
- Risalamande (Danish Christmas Eve Rice Pudding) from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Sips, Spreads, and Snacks
- Pumpkin Spice Roasted Pumpkin Seeds from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Tex Mex Chicken Salad Spread from Momma’s Meals
- Budget Friendly Wines for Budget Friendly #SundaySupper from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat.
To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
You had me at Kahlua.
Or maybe it was the Frozen quote. (“Crazy? I love crazy.”)
Or perhaps I’m simply biased because I write about brownies. 🙂 Whichever way you want to view it, I think these brownies look delicious. And when I’m feeling down, I bake. It helps me lose myself in the motion of the kitchen, and by the time I’m done I almost always feel my mood lift.
Katie, we totally finish each others–?! I’m so excited to meet you! I’m a total destressing baker as well, and that sounds like such an amazing idea right now. Happy Sunday, Katie! I’m nipping over to your blog to say hullo right now.
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
Brownies are ALWAYS welcome around the table!
Oh, I hear you Dorothy! Happy chocolatey Sunday to you!
Wow these look delicious! I love brownies, my one sweet weakness!
hoho, looks like we’re on the same page, Tammi–me as well! Happy Sunday to you!
I wasn’t going to comment, as what inspires me is not always what I find on the internet. Real life is what drives me. Doing things. Getting outside, going for a walk gives me time to see and think. When I’m on the internet my mind is cluttered, too busy to sort out my thoughts and feelings. I’m busy viewing and reading someone else’s images and thoughts. Pausing for a moment and owning my feelings and thoughts works for me!
Well, I can say I’m glad you did, Deb–I always love reading your comments so much, and I think this was exactly what I needed! Not just another digital stimulus, but a reminder to step away and take a breath of fresh air–I’m fairly bad at giving myself that Me time, so hearing somebody else remind me about it is great. I think I’ll take a walk to the park this week. Thank you, Deb, and happy Sunday!
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
Oh, my. These are fudgy, inspirational and just plain irresistible! Much as I loved my 20’s, there are even better decades in your future. Just hang in there, my friend…and keep smiling and baking! xo
Have I told you I LOVE when you drop little inspirational lines like that? I know there’ll be loads to look forward to, just looking at what you’ve been able to accomplish 🙂 thank you, Liz! Chins are up!
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
I imagine these will be very popular on your Etsy! My mouth is watering!
Aww, that’s so sweet–thanks, Laura! I hope so, too 🙂 happy Monday, girl!
Thick, fudgy, gooey, crunchy feelings sound pretty delicious to me… But in all realness, i find inspiration in having positive people around me..and doing whatever is going to make me happy and fulfilled in that specific moment.
It’s good you were on the phone with your friend til 3 am, sometimes good girl talk is all you need!
Aww, Shaina–I loved reading your comment! I totally agree–surrounding myself with positivity is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, and I definitely do that as much as I can. It’s funny how happy and lost we can feel all at the same time, but positive friends are the best for that! That includes you–thanks, rock star 🙂 hope you have a great week!
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
OMG, I could just pig right out on those for sure!! DIVINE!!
Tara, I am RIGHT THERE with you on this one. I’ll grab our napkins!!
First, good luck with your new selling venture. With decadent treats like these brownies, they are sure to be a huge hit! My go-to quote is “This Too Shall Pass”. It has been on my daily calendar for over a decade. When things are not great, this too shall pass and things will get better. When everything is wonderful, it reminds me to treasure what is happening because this too shall pass.
Betsy, you are SUCH a gem. Thank you for those kind words! I agree about your quote: I think it’s a great way of thinking about things, though today we watched Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good Very Bad Day and I really enjoy this quote: “You’ve got to have the bad days so you can appreciate the good ones even more.” Totally, totally. YOU are wonderful for all your support, and I hope you have a fantastic week!
You have insecurities, Ala? Unbelievable. You are sooo witty, talented, smart and a fantastic baker with her own Etsy store. Congratulations on the Etsy store. At any rate, it is somewhat comforting to know that even the brilliant ones have their moments…Speaking of moments, give me a second to catch my breath while I recover from all the intoxicating yummy shots of your Rocky Road Brownies!
Oh gosh–you’re making me blush! Thanks so much for those sweet words; I’m super stoked about this shop, and about writing, and about everything that’s going on–crazy or not, truly! And you’re a gem, so I hope you have a fab week of soaking up some sunshine or something!
marshmallow walnut brownies are the best! for me, they bring back memories a dreadful deadline week, in which my roommate’s uncle — who was a drop-out of my program twenty years ago — sent us a box of marshmallow brownies. my roommate would dole them out at those 3am hours when we needed it the most. I like to imagine her uncle as a wise fairy-godfather, who, through the magic of his brownies, guided us through those bleak days.
I am sure your gorgeous brownies will go out into the world and bring much joy and inspiration to other souls in need of brownies.
Okay, first off–where can I cash in on having such an awesome fairy godfather? That’s kind of amazing that he did that for you guys! But seriously, I’m such a sucker for 3 AM study snacks. And yes, I hope they can go off and do wonderful fairy godmother brownie things in the big wide world–cheers to that!
Love your brownies…and love your post too! Thank you for sharing so much 🙂
Thanks a bundle, Tracy! I hope you’re having yourself a wonderful Monday!
Your photos are making me drool! Thanks for sharing your recipe! YUM!!
heh–I’ll send you some napkins to wipe off your keyboard, no worries! It’s all about team effort here 😀
You have no idea how much I relate to your 3AM converts action and total rough times. Thanks for the links. I’m checking them out for sure!! And gosh I love eating my feelings…always not disappointing and I’m adding this brownie to my list!
Must be a grad student thing <3 you're a total pillar for me, Zainab. I'm glad I'm not the only one! And yes, I think you'll love them all, but maybe the Hyperbole one especially. Cheers to eating feelings, girl! Happy Monday!
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
Brownies are a great go-to dessert. Yours look too good to eat(almost) 😉 !
That almost has been a killer to my waistline of late…but I’ll take it! Happy Wednesday, Cindy!
Ala, I am dying here – how about ‘Rocky Road Brownies for Uru’ – a much better title right? I need these late into the night!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
That would be an EXCELLENT title, Uru–if you’ll promise to dedicate your next nommy nosh to Ala, of course 😉 heh! Good luck with the late-night studying, girl!
Oh, I can so relate to your post in many ways! Things feel crazy for me right now as my other job just handed me an enormous challenge that I don’t always feel competent to do, plus sometimes my blog feels like it isn’t going anywhere, and things just feel overwhelming. Add to this a cat that is acting strange out of nowhere and the fact that my house internet keeps crapping out for reasons we can’t determine, and it sounds trivial but it all adds up. So I definitely hear you. I find inspiration in friends, my nieces and nephews, and walking around my city (unless it’s rush hour, haha). Congratulations on your Etsy store, that is very exciting and a wonderful accomplishment! And these brownies look divine. I love Rocky Road anything ever since I discovered that rocky road ice cream is light-years better if you make it at home! 🙂
Julie, I’m so glad you left this comment! It absolutely resonated with me and made my day–it’s nice to know other folks out there are going through the same things, even if we don’t always vocalize it, right? I’m totally inspired by your inspiration–and though I haven’t had a chance to do any of the things you listed just yet today, I’m really looking forward to them sometime this week! You’re a total gem, Julie. I’m hopping over to your blog to say hello. Thanks for being a wonderful support and friend, Julie; SO glad we can chat!
Fudge brownies are seriously the BEST. Add marshmallows and I’m all over ’em! Love these Ala!
I’m completely with you on this one, Trish. Hope you’re having a fudgy-filled Friday!
These look so delicious! Pictures are beautiful!
Thanks so much, Mira! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
These brownies would totally make me feel better any day! The Kahlua, marshmallow and walnuts sound incredible in here – the perfect pick me up snack! Totally agree that sometimes we just need to take some time to reflect on our own lives…oh and maybe enjoy more of these brownies – they look incredible!
Daw, well your comment itself was just the pick-me-up I needed! Thanks so much, Kelly!
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
You are the queen of all that is fudgy and gooey and funny (you are funny, not the food… although sometimes it is kinda funny how delicious it all looks). I am going to have to look at Portraits of Reconciliation. I love getting all the feels.
Hahaha–it’s okay, Amanda, I think my food is pretty darn hilarious sometimes. I hope you got to look at the Portraits link–it seriously gives me the chills (and tears–lots of them) every time.
Such a gorgeous post as always Ala!
and how lucky for you to have such a great friend you can chat to at the wee hours of the morning 🙂
and THIS BROWNIES SOUND LIKE AN ABSOULUTE DREAM!! you’ve outdone yourself (again 😛 )
Baking is always the best way to kick back on a sunday and forget about everything, except for food, for a while – forget therapy, we’ve got baking! 😀
hope all is going well with study 🙂
Bec {Daisy and the Fox}
hahaha Bec, I just spent a whole minute grinning over your comment. Seriously, us student folks are crazy and therefore need crazy support systems! It’s good to have you here, too, on top of everything 🙂 hope you’re able to take a break this weekend–cheers, girl!
I swear if I ever need a nice big bite of deliciousness in the form of brownies, I will come to you – YOU ARE QUEEN 😀
And now it is breakfast time, and cereal just won’t cut it!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
pahahaha I’d happily endorse fudgy brownies for brekkie! Good girl, way to go, Uru!
Your Rocky Road Brownies look so mouthwatering delish, Ala! I love just how moist and chocolatey your brownies are. Just the way I love them.
And I’m soo like that too. There are some friends I can just chat with in the middle of the night. Or write an email to just to vent. Isn’t it great to have friends like that? And I totally condone eating my weight in feelings especially when all that eating involves chocolate. =)
When I feel uninspired, I browse Pinterest. Seriously, is there anything more amazing than a screen full of food?
PINTEREST. Good idea, girl–I hadn’t even thought about that one, but that’s inspiration/Pinspiration for the masses! I’m so lucky to have these wonderful friends to support me–and your comments! They make me feel happy and smiley all over. 😉 I guess I’ll take your support and go indulge in another fudgy bite. xoxo to you, Andrea!!
These brownies look inspirational to me!
I’d have to agree with you, Barbara–have a lovely weekend!
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Rocky Road Brownies from Wallflour Girl […]