• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

From Gina's Kitchen logo

  • Home
  • Gallery
  • Pricing
  • Events
  • Travel Planning
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • About
    • Contact
    • Testimonials
    • Ordering
    • Location
    • FAQ

food blog

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies

December 7, 2020 By Gina Michak

Honestly, foodie friends,  this is my favorite seasonal flavor combo- even more so than pumpkin spice! 

Why peppermint hot cocoa brownies? 

There’s nothing better than a creamy cup of hot cocoa on a cold night!  This brownie is just that… but in dessert form!  My favorite holiday tradition is watching Christmas movies with my family why enjoying hot cocoa out of our Disney resort mugs.   It’s like bringing a little of the magic home with us.  Now we have a new dessert to pair the cocoa with. 

I have made other desserts with this flavor combo, but this is the first time I’ve used it for a brownie.  I’m  loving  the hint of cool peppermint, the crunchy crushed candy canes and the deep, rich chocolatey goodness in every bite. 

Last of the brownie recipes… for 2020!

Sadly, it’s the final inspiration from Food Network Magazine’s “A Year of Brownies”.  It’s my favorite, up there with the “Irish Whiskey mug brownie ” and the “Cookie Jar Brownie”.   If you tried any of these recipes, let me know! 

Although the recipe is called a brownie, it reminds me more of cake.  It’s topped with peppermint buttercream,  sprinkled with crunchy crushed candy cane topping , and bakes up nice and tall in the 9×13 baking dish.  After cutting a slice, you’ll see. It’s so decadent, and so pretty!   Serve yourself a big piece and enjoy on a fancy plate with a fork and cup of coffee! 

My inspiration for this recipe was of course, the magazine piece from earlier this year.  It’s been tweaked a bit, and I added my own personal favorite buttercream recipe.  What’s a cake without sprinkles ?  Toss some fun holiday sprinkles in with the crushed candy cane topping! 

Now get into YOUR kitchen and bake up a batch or two over the holidays! 

Print Recipe

PEPPERMINT HOT COCOA BROWNIES

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 8 oz semi sweet chocolate chips 
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup milk

Peppermint Buttercream Frosting

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 4-5 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-4 tbsp milk
  • 2 tsp peppermint extract

Instructions

Brownie

  • Pre heat oven to 325.
  • Lightly grease a 9×13 in. baking dish.
  • Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda,and salt in bowl.
  • On stovetop in saucepan, , melt butter and chocolate chips on low heat until melted. Remove from heat and add in eggs one at a time until incorporated. Add vanilla and milk. 
  • Add the chocolate mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.  Spread batter into prepared pan and bake 35-40 mins. or until toothpick in center comes out clean.  Cool completely in pan on cooling rack.

Peppermint Buttercream Frosting

  • Combine all ingredients in standing mixer (or bowl and use hand mixer) . Beat until frosting is spreadable consistency. 
  • When brownies are completely cooled,  spread frosting over top using offset spatula. Sprinkle with crush candy canes or peppermint candies and your favorite festive sprinkles. 

Check out last week’s post, Spiced Nut Mix!

Happy Holidays! 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Baking, dessert Tagged With: a year of brownies, brownies, food blog, food network magazine

Tip Tuesday in the Kitchen

May 12, 2020 By Gina Michak

It’s “Tip Tuesday” here in the kitchen, and I’ve got a quick tip that saved me a few times during this quarantine. 

Yeast is a hot commodity in my area of Virginia these past few weeks. 

Are we ALL baking our own sandwich bread all of a sudden? I don’t know about you, but when I can’t find something (ingredient wise) that’s when I go to the “googles” for substitutes. 

I could write an entire blog post about ingredient substitutions, (and I just might ), but today I’ll leave it at this wonder called “DIY Self Rising Flour”

You probably have the ingredients on hand right now in your pantry. It’s three basic baking ingredients, that when combined, can be used instead of yeast in some recipes. You won’t get the same softness as with a yeast dough and it’s multiple risings… but your recipes will still be soft and have great texture to them. So if you can’t find yeast in these crazy Covid-19 times, run to your pantry to make this easy substitute!

DIY Self Rising Flour

1 cup of all-purpose flour

 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon fine salt.

There you have it, my first ingredient substitution blog post!  I hope to do more in the future. 

If you try it, tell me what you think.

Gina

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Baking Tagged With: baking, baking tips, food blog, foodie, tip tuesday

“Sprouting Brownie Cupcakes”

May 3, 2020 By Gina Michak

It’s May already foodie friends. MAY. Can you believe it?

I’m excited to move into a new month with new recipes to try. This is the May installment of “A Year of Brownies”, courtesy of Food Network Magazine.

This month was a fun take on a brownie, for several reasons.

First of all, you bake them like a cupcake. Next , you make a decadent chocolate ganache to top them off, and finish off with a layer of crushed Oreos!

The “sprouts” on top of the Oreo crumb “dirt” make the brownie look like a sprouting plant. So, I had to bring out piping bags and decorating tips. Not something I’m used to doing for a brownie, but, oh well… I have time now.

Lastly, I learned a little about a new-to-me baking product called “Black Cocoa Powder”. I got mine on Amazon, and it only took about 4 days to come in. I’m not complaining, either. I was happy to be able to get it all!

Back in October, I stumbled across a recipe for a cool Halloween themed cake. I couldn’t find this specialty cocoa powder in stores or get it delivered in time, so it was a no-go on the cake . I’m happy that I read the May recipe ahead of time, otherwise I would have been out of luck again!

Here’s a quick read all about the product on the TheKitchn.com. It’s meant to give your baked goods an almost “black” color, one that regular cocoa powder just can’t achieve on its own.

Here’s a picture of an unfrosted brownie. What do you think of the color?

Black cocoa is supposed to make your baked goods darker in color…. what do you think?

As for my take on this month’s brownie recipe, I LOVED it. Not a fan of the “sprouts” on top (I’d rather do flowers or leaves), but, hey, I tried!

Sharing is caring, and I shared these with neighbors (and my family) and they loved the recipe as well.

If you’d like to make your own, here’s the link !

These can certainly be made anytime of the year, with no decorations and just the Oreo crumbs. Or, I’d use a different decorating style. Or, maybe I should practice piping “sprouts” lol!

Enjoy! And let me know if you make these!

Next month, get out out your cast iron skillet for a skillet brownie with pecans!

Gina

Filed Under: Baking Tagged With: brownies, cupcakes, food blog, foodie

Disney inspired Curried Chicken Salad

September 15, 2019 By Gina Michak

Happy Sunday, Foodie Friends!

This post is a few days overdue. I’ve had several friends ask me about this recipe, as AnnMarie and I shared it on our latest installment of the “Curly Girls”! If you haven’t watched us this past Tuesday, click here .

Sips and Swirls of fine wine and Disney recipes!

Now that you’ve caught up, here’s the recipe and wine pairings we shared.

Curried Chicken Salad (adapted from the cookbook “A Cooking Safari with Mickey” by Pam Brandon and the Disney Chefs)

This recipe is featured in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Wild Africa Trek. Try this easy version, when you can’t make it to the “Happiest Place on Earth”!

1 1/2 pounds cooked, cubed chicken (I used Purdue Oven Carvers)

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup Greek Yogurt (can simply use all Greek yogurt if you prefer)

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1 tbsp. lime juice

4 tsp. curry powder

1 tsp. honey

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/4 tsp. black pepper

3/4 cup sliced red grapes

1/2 cup diced mango (I used pre-cut mango from my grocery store produce aisle )

Combine mayo, yogurt , onion, lime juice, curry powder, honey, ginger, pepper, and salt in large bowl and combine. Stir in chicken, and mix until blended. Fold in mango and grapes. Serve with a side salad, naan bread, or your favorite crackers or roll.

Wine notes:

Big Game Reserve, Cape Leopard 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

Kanonkop Estate Wine 2016 Pinotage

Cheers to a delicious lunch, light dinner, or midnight snack!

Filed Under: Baking Tagged With: animal kingdom, chicken, curry, dinner, disney, food and wine, food blog

“Being Intentional Today”

March 18, 2019 By Gina Michak

Happy Monday, foodie friends!

Today’s post is a little spotlight on a recent kitchen guest (I should say repeat guest) that shares my love of Jesus, friends, and desserts!

Sonia Santos is the visionary behind “Intentional Life Ministries”, a multi-generational /multi-cultural group of powerful women who meet monthly to celebrate womanhood in love and prayer. Borrowing from their Facebook bio, Intentional Life Ministries encourages “meaningful and encouraging relationships rooted in the word of God.” One of her focuses in the ministry centers around everyday life and overcoming the stigma of domestic responsibilities. My kind of group!

The ministry recently celebrated their 6 month anniversary with good friends, good food and fellowship. I have been baking for their brunches for the past three months, and Sonia is always gracious and asks me to join them. One day I will, but duty calls on weekends for this baker gal, and I have to let my desserts have all the fun.

If you are looking for the opportunity to unplug from the stresses of daily life and surround yourself with encouraging and uplifting women in a faith filled environment, I suggest you make your way to the next Intentional Life Ministries meeting on April 13th.

Visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IntentionalLife Ministries, and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/beingintentionaltoday

In the meantime, take a peek at their beautifully striking logo, on both cake and cookies!

Filed Under: Baking, events, Lunch Tagged With: baking, blogger, cakes, cookies, desserts, events, food blog

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to the Kitchen! I'm Gina Michak, your favorite foodie, dessert designer, and custom baker here at "From Gina's Kitchen"! I also serve up a side of Disney travel planning in the Kitchen too. Catch me as the foodie half of "The Curly Girls" on FB. Pull up a chair and let's talk food, fun, and Disney!

Let’s Connect!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Recent Posts

  • Individual Microwave Mug Brownies
  • No-Bake Energy Bars
  • Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies
  • Spiced Nut Mix
  • Pumpkin Pie Brownies

Archives

  • March 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • June 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018

Instagram

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: There is no connected account for the user 1774645983 Feed will not update.

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Wife, mom of three (four with the fur baby golden retriever), foodie, Disney addict, Pittsburgh native still bleeding black and gold although I'm living in VA! I went from assistant meeting planner to stay at home mom and combined my love of food, family, and parties into one little business "From Gina's Kitchen" . Not only do I bake custom desserts, I love to help plan parties and offer classes on cooking and baking for kids! Read More…

Recent Posts

Individual Microwave Mug Brownies

No-Bake Energy Bars

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies

Copyright © 2021 | www.fromginaskitchen.com | Privacy Policy

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy