This dense, heavenly creation is one of Baked's biggest hits.

This recipe is one of the most decadent (retro) desserts we found in a tiny Brooklyn bakery.
Read more: http://www.oprah.com/food/Double-Chocolate-Loaf#ixzz1mEhEsirf 
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Servings: Serves 12Ingredients
  • Butter , for greasing pan
  • 3/4 cup tightly-packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup Dutch cocoa powder , sifted
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour , plus more for dusting
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 8 ounces semisweet (60 percent) chocolate chunks
  • Whipped cream (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Butter one 9" x 5" x 3" loaf pan, dust with flour, and knock out excess flour.

Place brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Press out any lumps with the back of a large spoon. Add cocoa, flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk egg and egg yolks until blended, then add buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla; whisk until combined.

Turn mixer to low and pour in egg-buttermilk mixture in a thin steady stream, mixing just until combined. Remove the bowl; stir in chocolate chunks by hand with a wooden spoon.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the center of oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of loaf comes out clean.

Let cool in pan for 15 minutes; remove and place on rack to cool completely. Serve plain or toasted; top with whipped cream (optional).

 
Valentine's Day—or just Tuesday—anytime is a good time to indulge in these rich, dark chocolate Bundt cakes with white chocolate frosting...and just a touch of brandy.

This recipe is one of the most decadent (retro) desserts we found in a tiny Brooklyn bakery.
Read more: http://www.oprah.com/food/Mini-Dark-Chocolate-Bundts-with-Creme-Anglaise#ixzz1mEgJ8oUd 
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Servings: Makes about 8 mini Bundt cakesIngredients
  • 4 ounces coarsely chopped dark (at least 64 percent) chocolate
  • 1/2 cup very hot (simmering) water
  • 1/2 cup Dutch cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp. espresso powder
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cake flour , plus more for pans
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. baking soda
  • 10 Tbsp. (1 1/4 sticks) butter softened, plus more for pans
  • 1 cup tightly-packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 vanilla bean scraped, seeds removed
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 Tbsp. brandy
Directions
To make Bundts: Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour 8 (1-cup) mini Bundt pans.

Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Pour simmering water on top and let stand for 3 minutes. Add cocoa and espresso powders; whisk together until smooth. Let stand 15 minutes. Stir in sour cream until blended.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy, 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl and add eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. The mixture will look light and fluffy. Add vanilla and beat for 5 seconds.

Turn mixer to low. Add the flour mixture in 3 parts to the butter-egg mixture, alternating with the chocolate mixture in 2 parts. Scrape down the bowl, then mix on low speed for a few more seconds.

Fill the mini Bundt pans about halfway full and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove Bundts from oven and place pans on racks to cool, 5 minutes; loosen cakes from edges of pans with a small heatproof spatula and invert onto racks. Let cool.

To make crème anglaise: In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, heat heavy cream, milk, vanilla, and salt until just about to boil.

While whisking constantly, add half of milk mixture to egg mixture. Then stir egg-milk mixture back into saucepan with rest of milk; cook over low heat whisking constantly until thickened so as not to cook the eggs, 2 to 4 minutes (should coat the back of a spoon).

Strain mixture through a fine sieve. Add brandy and chill in the refrigerator at least 3 hours or overnight. When mixture is cool, pour over Bundts and serve immediately.

 
If anything can improve the steamy combo of strong espresso and intense chocolate, it's the dash of cinnamon in the signature mocha. Note: You can replace the espresso with double-strength coffee, using twice the recommended amount of ground coffee when brewing it.


Adapted from Baked: New Frontiers in Baking, by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito, copyright © 2008. With permission of the publisher, Stewart, Tabori & Chang.

This recipe is one of the most decadent (retro) desserts we found in a tiny Brooklyn bakery.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/food/Cinnamon-Mocha-Drink?SiteID=ys_20120124_cinnamon_mocha_drink#ixzz1lvUb0Kbg 
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Servings: Serves 2Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. dark unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon , plus more for garnish
  • 2 long shots (1/2 cup) freshly brewed espresso
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • Whipped cream (optional)
DirectionsIn a small heatproof bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon. Slowly add the hot espresso and whisk until mixture is smooth.

In a medium saucepan, heat milk over medium heat, about 5 minutes or until it begins to simmer. Add espresso mixture and whisk until combined. Stirring constantly, bring mixture to a boil (about 5 minutes), then remove from heat.

Divide mocha evenly between 2 mugs. If desired, add whipped cream so that it forms a heart shape on top and sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve immediately.


 
This plump confection is a Valentine's Day take on a New York classic, the black-and-white cookie.

This recipe is one of the most decadent (retro) desserts we found in a tiny Brooklyn bakery.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/food/Red-and-White-Cookies?SiteID=ys_20120124_red_and_white_cookies#ixzz1lvTdUUKv 
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Servings: Makes 18 cookiesIngredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 3/4 sticks butter
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1 Tbps. freshly grated lemon zest
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 3 Tbsp. heavy cream
  • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • Red no-taste gel food coloring
Directions
To make cookies: Preheat oven to 350°. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes). Scrape down the bowl and add eggs and egg yolk one at a time, beating briefly after each addition. Scrape down the bowl again, and turn mixer to low. Add the flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the buttermilk in 2 parts. Scrape down the bowl; add vanilla and lemon zest, and mix on low speed for a few more seconds.

Using an ice cream scoop (about 1/4 cup), drop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets spaced about 3 inches apart (6 cookies per sheet).

Bake for 17 minutes, rotating sheets between oven racks halfway through, until edges are golden brown and tops spring back when gently touched. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes, then remove cookies and cool on racks.

To make frosting: In a large bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar, milk, and cream. If mixture is too thick, add a little more milk (by the teaspoon until desired consistency is reached). Pour half of the frosting (about 3/4 cup) into another bowl and add vanilla and red food coloring until desired red color is reached.

Use an offset spatula to spread red frosting on half of the top of each cookie. Let stand until almost set, 20 minutes. Using a clean spatula, spread white frosting over unfrosted half of each cookie. (If the frosting thickens up during the process, whisk until loose.) Let set completely, about 1 hour.


 
Cinnamon-flavored frosting gives red velvet cupcakes an added kick—the perfect treats for your sweet.

Adapted from Baked: New Frontiers in Baking, by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito, copyright © 2008. With permission of the publisher, Stewart, Tabori & Chang.

This recipe is one of the most decadent (retro) desserts we found in a tiny Brooklyn bakery.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/food/Red-Hot-Velvet-Cupcakes-with-Cinnamon-Buttercream?SiteID=ys_20120124_red_hot_velvet_cupcakes_with_buttercream#ixzz1lvSLzz5U 
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Servings: Makes 36 cupcakesIngredients
  • 1/4 cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 Tbsp. red no-taste gel food coloring
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter , cut into small pieces and softened
  • 2 Tbsp. room temperature vegetable shortening
  • 1 2/3 cups sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups cake flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3 sticks unsalted butter , soft but cool, cut into small pieces
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • Cinnamon imperials candies (optional)
  • Red white-chocolate hearts (optional)
Directions
To make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 325°. Line 36 (2 1/2-inch) muffin pan cups with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, food coloring, and boiling water. Set aside to cool. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter and shortening until smooth. Scrape down bowl and add sugar. Beat until mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir buttermilk and vanilla into the cooled cocoa mixture. Sift cake flour and salt together into another bowl. With the mixer on low, alternate adding the flour mixture (in 3 parts) and the cocoa mixture (in 2 parts) to the egg mixture. Beat until incorporated. In a small bowl, combine vinegar and baking soda and stir until baking soda dissolves; the mixture will fizz. Add to batter and stir until just combined.

Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven, transfer to a wire rack, and let cool for 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan, and let cool completely.

To make buttercream frosting: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk the sugar and flour together. Add the milk and cream and cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture boils and has thickened, about 12 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until cool, 5 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and add the butter; beat until thoroughly incorporated. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until frosting is light and fluffy, 3 minutes. Add the vanilla and cinnamon and continue mixing until combined. If the frosting is too soft, transfer the bowl to the refrigerator to chill slightly, then beat again until it is the proper consistency. If the frosting is too firm, place the bowl over a pot of simmering water and beat with a wooden spoon until it is the proper consistency.

Frost each cupcake with buttercream. Garnish with cinnamon imperials and white-chocolate hearts, if desired


 
By Kevin Armento for HowAboutWe  

Single on Valentine's Day...'nuff said? There are all kinds of guides out there about how to take your mind off it, or ice cream away the dread, or scrounge up a last-minute date at all costs.

But you know what's better than trying to suppress any and every reminder that you're single? Doing things you might actually enjoy! Here are five to consider: 

1. Sublimate!
Look, you're feeling that urge more than ever to be coupled, to lay in bed with someone, maybe even to get knocked up - so take those natural impulses and exorcise them elsewhere, in a productive way. That "treat yourself to a night in" advice doesn't work unless you actually accomplish something. Paint a room you've been putting off, clean out the attic, finish the novel that's been on your nightstand for three months. The cathartic chemical charge you'll get from crossing something off a list will be so much better than just wallowing.

2. Ladle out a dinner for people who aren't even thinking about V-Day.
I know it's easy to just skip right past this one, but if you really want to put your troubles in perspective and feel grateful on V-Day for what you do have, go down to a soup kitchen and hang with some homeless folks. They aren't complaining about how they haven't found Mr. or Ms. Right yet. And as you're dishing out a warm February meal for them, ask to hear some good Valentines Day stories - guarantee it'll make your night. 

3. Platonic friend adventure.
I'm very intentionally not saying "date" here, because I've seen too many people get depressed by a platonic date on V-Day. Pick a fellow single friend and go do something you've never done before, or something you've both been meaning to do (train to Coney Island? Zipcar to the birthplace of your favorite author?). And try to make it as anti-Valentine's as possible, which means no dinner in a fancy restaurant and no candles.

4. Sort-of seeing someone?
Do a low-key V-day. Just because you've only been on two dates doesn't mean you can't take part in some Valentine-ish festivities. Be the one who's up-front and say "Hey, I know we've only been on two dates, and I'm not asking you to be my Valentine. But want to go to a wine bar or something anyway?" It doesn't have to be a high-stakes night. I'm sorry, but Serious Couples do not have a monopoly on the official romance holiday. 

5. Do the anti-V-Day.
For the less monogamous among us, consider a playful twist on the usual chocolate and dress-up. Arrange a rendezvous with a booty call of choice, and celebrate the night of romance in your own special way. Again, this is not just a night for couples!

What do you think is the best way to spend Valentine's day when you're flying solo? 

 
By Nikki Metzgar for HowAboutWe 
Just like mom always gets upset on Christmas Day because she's anxious about cooking a feast for 10, Valentine's Day can be a pressure cooker for couples -- especially when expectations are not managed. He's feeling crushed by the burden of having to plan the most romantic date ever; she secretly doesn't like surprises. Here are four strategies for making sure everyone is happy, feeling loved and in the mood. 

1. Plan the date together. Anticipating something fun is often the best part, so if you're both part of the planning process then you can look forward to the date equally. No one will feel single-handedly responsible for making things happen, there will be no unpleasant surprises and you can be completely honest about preferring Chinese takeout and some time in the hot tub over making reservations and dressing up for a fancy dinner. Or if the fancy dinner is your thing, you can get excited looking at online menus together for some added bonding time.

2. Double date. Whether you're going to the trendiest new restaurant or just making spaghetti at home, including friends increases the celebration factor. Opening a bottle of wine with old friends downgrades the event from "a big deal" to just a fun night. Make sure you're on the same page with your date before inviting extras though -- your boyfriend might really be looking forward to some alone time but not saying so. 

3. Set a low price ceiling on gifts. Even if you're being totally honest about not wanting to exchange gifts for Valentine's Day, doubt can start to sneak in about whether your partner is being completely honest. If you start to suspect that your cutie does want a gift -- or is getting you one and you want to reciprocate -- just declare a gift exchange and get it over with. Turn it into a game by setting a $5 or $10 limit and see who can find the weirdest or tastiest or biggest gift at the store. Or decide that you're going to find something you can do together -- buy a magazine and do the quizzes together, pick a board game or badminton set or buy a gift certificate to a favorite coffeeshop.

4. Stay in the comfort zone. Okay, so your date definitely wants a nice dinner and some out-of-the-ordinary romance. There are still ways to meet high expectations without freaking out, which is the number one way to ruin a nice date. If you can't read a French menu without panicking, don't go near it. Even though ice skating at the park sounds really adorable, a broken arm and your disappointed competitive side isn't. Above all, remember that if you're in a good mood, your date will be in a good mood, so don't spend more money than you're comfortable with and don't let lost reservations ruin the evening

 
By Nikki Metzgar for HowAboutWe 

Valentine's Day is coming -- and store aisles (and restaurant ads) are practically shouting at you that heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and expensive roast duck dinners for two are the components of a romantic evening. We all know that's not true for everyone, but now comes the hard part-actually figuring out what is romantic in time for your Valentine's Day date.

Keep things personalized 
In other words, be thoughtful. The most romantic thing you can do is show that you know the person you're in a relationship with and act on that knowledge. Maybe the best night your girlfriend could dream of is to get drunk on margaritas and go home for sex. So why take her for a steak dinner? Maybe he loves cooking, and you don't care for it, but you spring for the sushi making class anyway. A dozen red roses might be romantic in Hollywood, but it wont mean a thing to the girl who loves lilies, just like an expensive watch won't woo the guy who doesn't like to wear one. 

Related: Our Complete Guide to Valentine's Day

Take charge 
Planning the date together is a great way to create more bonding time and to make sure everyone's expectations are met. But if you haven't agreed to do that, the last thing you want to do is wait until the last minute and ask, "What do you want to do tonight?" Taking charge and having a plan means that you've put some thought into it. Even if it's just an out of the way snow cone shack or your favorite BYOB Vietnamese restaurant, it takes the burden off the other person to come up with something fun to do and it reveals a little more about you. 

Related: 4 Ways to Plan a Pressure-Free Valentine's Day

Remember that less is more 
More stuff isn't necessary more romantic. You could stuff 100 pens into a vase for your girlfriend who's a writer, or ship 20 boxes of her favorite cookie to her apartment, but what is she really going to do with that? Lots of gifts doesn't signify a lot more love-in fact, it sometimes means the opposite-and it can pressure her to show gratitude in a way she isn't comfortable with. A date doesn't have to have five elaborate parts and a horse-drawn carriage to make an impact. Write a heart-felt note, buy the one ice cream sundae (better for sharing) and light only one candle, if you have to have candles at all. 

Related: 4 Signs You're Doing "The Crazy Girl Thing"

Nikki Metzgar is a writer from Texas. She thinks the best first dates don't include sit down dinners, but can't help but be impressed by flowers.

 
Attracting a man is not rocket science. Attracting the RIGHT one however can be a little trickier. 
1. Be a Piggy for Your Pleasure 

Men consistently confide what attracts them to a woman is her ability to receive pleasurable experiences. Sadly, most modern women have taken ON doing so much, they're unhappy and burnt out- unwittingly repelling potential mates. If this is you, create some down time this weekend and make a list of what clearly brings you joy AND what no longer brings you joy in your life. Proceed to Step 2. 

2. Create Your Want List and Publish It 

After assessing your list, see what you're willing to delete for good and send it on its merry way. Then, all that you still want to have, but don't necessarily have a desire to produce for yourself anymore, goes on your Want List. On a fresh page, write at the top: (Your Name) _______'s Want List and list out all the things you would love to have, but don't want to produce for yourself. Then, Post it on your fridge (not stuffed in a drawer!) Proceed to Step 3. 

3. Ask and You WILL Receive
 

If you really want to show the Universe you mean business, take ONE item from your Want List and ask a man in your life (neighbor/friend/family member) to produce it for you. Maybe you need a toaster fixed, your walk shoveled or you want a male with you to shop for a new car. Whatever it is, pick a guy you feel comfortable asking and go for it! 

This exercise serves 2 purposes. First, eliminating aspects of your life that no longer bring you joy will create space for something better to come in (like a man!) Secondly, getting in the habit of asking men to do things for you instantly activates the energy of RECEIVING - behavior that is very attractive to men. 

Continue to take at least one item from your list every week and assign it to a man in your life. Why do I want you to post it on your fridge? You never know who will be coming over who will want to produce something for you! 
 
Hi,
Today I'm going to teach you guys how to "Create a floating twitter widget for your tumblr" just like mine.
All you have to do is to copy/paste this code:
For CSS: anywhere before the </style>
body #twitter {
       position: fixed;
       float: right;
       top: 75px;
       right: 20px;
}
Note: Change the float to left and the right to left if you want to see it on the left side e.g. float: left; and left: 20px; Feel free to edit the padding top and right for your satisfaction.
For HTML: inside the <body></body>
<div id="twitter">
      <YOUR TWITTER WIDGET CODE HERE>
</div>
This is how it looks like when done:
Here we go,
First log in to Twitter.
Now go here Twitter Widget to get your twitter widget code.
Click "My Website" tab
Choose "Profile Widget".
Enter your twitter Username on "Settings" tab.
Leave the "Preferences" tab.
On "Appearances" edit your best colors for your widget.
On "Dimensions" set your preferred width and height.
Click Finish & Grab Code then copy the code. Replace the <YOUR TWITTER WIDGET CODE HERE> on the above HTML code.
Copy the codes you've created then Log in to Tumblr. Click customize appearance then click Edit Html.
Paste the CSS code example:
Paste the HTML code example:
Then click Update Preview, Save, and Close. We're done!! Advance Happy Valentines everyone :)
Follow me on Twitter @cherlugossi and on Tumblr Sari-sari for questions regarding this article.