There is a Christmas event at the museum this weekend. Before The Bob hit, I helped out at the event, but lately, I’ve been exposed to too many contagious diseases besides The Bob that I don’t want to press my luck by being among a group of strangers (or even a large group of friends, for that matter). So, I am not going to help this year.
Instead, I made brownie bites to add to their dessert offerings.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the baking experience. I’ve always loved baking, but that was one of the many experiences that went by the wayside when The Bob popped up. Not only were all activities I supplied desserts for cancelled, but people were leery of eating things other people made. (Except for restaurants. People still picked up orders to take out at restaurants. Go figure.)
And I can’t bake for myself. I’m not one of those who can bake brownies or some such and stick them in the back of the freezer for a special occasion, because every day is a special occasion. The next thing I know, the treats are all gone, and I’ve gained a few extra pounds. To stave off temptation, I don’t even keep flour or sugar in the house. If I want a treat, I buy a brownie at the store, which is a ridiculous thing to do. Those pseudo brownies don’t get rid of the chocolate craving because they are made with fake chocolate and taste like cardboard.
So these brownie bites I made from scratch were an especial treat — not just because of the fun of baking, but because the taste is sublime. Even better, once I eat a couple or three or four (they are tiny, just a bite or two), I have a place to get rid of them.
I never used to think twice about gifting people with my kitchen offerings, but now, it seems, everyone has some kind of dietary restriction, and I don’t want to put anyone in the uncomfortable position of having to refuse the gift. Still, there’s no reason to deprive myself of the fun of baking, particularly since I’ve invested in the ingredients. If people don’t want what I bake, that’s their problem, not mine. I’m sure I’ll find people who want a treat or two. Someone besides me, I mean.
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Pat Bertram is the author of Grief: The Inside Story – A Guide to Surviving the Loss of a Loved One. “Grief: The Inside Story is perfect and that is not hyperbole! It is exactly what folk who are grieving need to read.” –Leesa Healy, RN, GDAS GDAT, Emotional/Mental Health Therapist & Educator.
Bertram's Blog 
December 7, 2021 at 6:21 pm
I shouldn’t indulge, but I would probably eat more than a few. Your Brownie Bites look delicious.
December 7, 2021 at 9:23 pm
They were! I was so pleased to finally have some real made-from-scratch brownies.
December 7, 2021 at 6:44 pm
It is really appetizing. Do you believe me now nearly four years I didn’t eat any desserts at home. Except fruits, dry fruits, 70% black chocolate.
Nearest boulangerie is just 2-5 minutes walking distance. I was fortunate to have a best cook at home for 32 years.
December 7, 2021 at 9:25 pm
Yes, I believe you. I went for years with no desserts. Now it’s harder to find the discipline, but I can still go months at a time. Or maybe just weeks.
December 7, 2021 at 8:33 pm
Now that looks great. I’m going to that so I’ll be sure and look for those.
Phyllis
December 7, 2021 at 9:24 pm
If you want a couple, stop by! Just let me know ahead of time to make sure I’m home.