Notice anything different?
I hate it when people ask this question because I’m as observant as a blind squirrel. And just in case you’re like me, let me just tell you, there’s something different around here. No, not a haircut. No, these are the same jeans I wear almost everyday. No! I did not get Botox…what are you saying? Jeez.
It’s just that Blog con Queso has lost some weight in 2007. There have been no recipes. This wasn’t planned, it’s just happened.
So we’re making up for lost time. And we’re giving some calories away. Keep reading.
Janey the Great emailed me yesterday raving about the merriest little bakery around. And when Janey raves, I listen. And then when NPR raves about the same bakery in a serious, hushed tone, I laugh. Both of these things happened.
Introducing the ShoeBox Oven, a boutique bakery in Alexandria, Virginia. I emailed Krishna, the adventurous baker, and she said their Web site is currently the main “storefront” of the bake-to-order delivery/pickup/mail order bakery. I love this, because (1) the Web site is wonderful with lots of beautiful photos, (2) Krishna created this entire concept with sugar, flour, imagination, talent and energy, and (3) even though I don’t live in VA, I can still enjoy the deliciousness. So, this very morning, I’m ordering up a few things for my poor coworkers.
Janey also said their cakes are fantastic. And here’s a preview recipe for you. Courtesy of the ShoeBox Bakery and the golf tones of NPR.
Makes 9 to 12 servings
16 ounces dark chocolate (70 percent cacao)
6 ounces (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
3/4 cup flour
1 cup champagne
Champagne glaze (below)
Champagne Glaze
2 cups champagne
1 cup sugar
So three cheers to Krishna for combining two of my personal favorite things in one fun treat. Yuh to the um.
Krishna also mentioned that she digs the idea of personal spaces. You guys had some phenominal ideas on that. I’m still in the planning phases of mine over here, but I’ll keep you posted as things progress.
CONTEST ALERT.
And finally, if you’re ready to give Weight Watchers the bird, I mean the break it deserves, just leave a comment. The Hurricane will again pick a winner, who will receive some super delicious champagne chocolate from ShoeBox Oven. The contest will be open until midnight CST, Friday night. And the winner will be announced on Monday.
I really hope you win.
I'm on day 6 of Weight Watchers and am ready to give EVERYONE the bird!!
I heard about them on NPR, cool idea. 
Yum, yum, yum! That looks like some tasty choc-o-lat!!
Yum, yum! Champagne chocolate sounds delish.
I love it when you have a competition, everyone suddenly de-lurks! As I am in Australia, if I win I donate my prize to Household Con Queso! (though I am probably too late, no idea what time it is there!)
I could really use those chocolates. Please, please pick me!
count me in!
Wow, that all looks too good.
hey hurricane! you know you want to pick me, even though i don't think you can read!
YUM!!
look at you rockin the comments!!!and darling blog con queso? you look fabulous.(btw, my super-secret word verification password is "ungcq" which would seem to be part of a new queso-oriented rating system? as in "those pilsbury slice-n-bake cookies are so un-gcq. she would choose much more sophisitcated, like champagne chocolate.")
Hurrah for chocolate AND losing weight.
gathose brownies read like they would taste like HEAVEN!!!!!!! I can't wait to try them!!! YUMMMMMY!buh bye to weight watchers……LOL
I think give-aways are fantastic! Thanks for doing it.
Oh my!! For all that is lovely in this world I hope that I win!! Forget the weight I am trying to lose before my girls weekend in NYC!! Send me some Chocolate!!! pretty please???
chocolate giveaway?too good to be true
You just can't beat a great chocolaty treat!
So, I've been on weight watchers since MID JUNE OF LAST YEAR – chocolate has not crossed my lips the whole time. Don't you think you should pick me?
Yummmmmm…pick me!!
I want to give weight watchers the bird!
I'm glad the recipes are back! I came over here looking for something for the bloggy potluck I mentioned awhile back, but you were recipe-free! Those brownies, though…excuse me for drooling all over your comments section.
I could use some chocolate cake/brownies/cookies!
Do I actually have a chance to win? It sounds FAB-U-LOUS!!BTW, I've never left a comment, but I LOVE your blog!
I LIVE for chocolate.
Is it nepotism if relatives con queso enter the contest?