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A Closer Look at Winter Damage

But first, take a look at this gorgeous rainbow that we had on Friday! The five-day stretch of warm temperatures last week really jump-started the garden. Now that plants are putting out new growth, it is easier to see what kind of damage the winter left. Back in mid-January, we experienced five straight days of below-freezing temperatures. This caused much damage in Portland and areas where frigid winds were a factor. Here, we were fortunate to not get the wind and the cold temperatures were dampened by a blanket of snow. That said, it was a tough time for the garden and there are noticeable casualties but no outright deaths that I have seen. The bottlebrush ( Callistemon 'Woodlander's Red') did not like the cold at all. It was planted six years ago, in the north-facing garden no less, and I've not experienced die-back on it until now. A local expert said to cut it all the way back so that is what I did. If it doesn't make it, I won't be too distraught. It is

Katharine Hepburn's Brownies

As a big fan of both Katharine Hepburn and brownies, I've always wanted to try this recipe. I finally got around to making them this past weekend and they were well worth the wait. In fact, this will now be my "go to" recipe for brownies. They have a crackly crust but are wonderfully moist and chewy on the inside and deliciously chocolaty. And best of all, very easy to make!

Ingredients:
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 (1 stick) cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup white sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Butter and flour an 8-inch baking pan.
3. Melt unsweetened chocolate and butter over very low heat in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of about 1 1/2 inches of simmering water, whisking until smooth.
4. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs and vanilla.
5. Whisk in the flour and salt, until well blended.
6. Stir in the nuts.
7. Spread the batter in the baking pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the pan to a rack to cool completely. Cut into 9 brownies.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Does the recipe end, "Cut into 9 brownies. Oh, who are you kidding? Just eat the whole pan." Those look really good.

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  2. Can't wait to try this! Does it fit into my "healthy eating" plan?

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  3. These are the standard brownies around here and have been for years. Best when eaten watching "The Philadelphia Story." Milkshakes should be reserved for "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner."

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  4. I am trying to lose weight, and you are not helping! But, of course, my diet does allow one serving of chocolate per day, otherwise I can't possibly stick to it. These look fabulous!

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  5. I love brownies. I'll have to try this recipe. Yummy.

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  6. OK I have to make these. My favorite brownie recipe right now is Molly Wizenberg's. I'll see what I think after I make these.

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  7. I would feel so fancy and important eating these! looks good!

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  8. Yummo! I just watched Alton Brown make brownies last night. Reminded me how much I like them. Now you're pushing them. Must get some ...

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