Great Reads, Great Eats; Great Day, Lets Eat!

 Hello All!! Hope your day has been going well so far! I know mine has! And its all thanks to a random shuffle through my bookshelf. I absolutely adore a really good book, but I don't always have the money to buy one in a bookstore or online, which is why I was elated to find out that a lot of libraries sell used books for really good prices. For instance, I purchased 3 paperback novels from the Lynchburg public library for $1.50! They were in great shape and had all the pages. I know, I know, when you feel like relaxing and reading a good book you don't really feel like getting dressed and going out, I feel the same. But not to fear, here are two great options for some great lazy day reading.

 The first option is what I opened this post with in the first place...Go through your old books!! You'd be surprised how enjoyable a really good read is the second time through! This works great for me, personally, because if I think something really good is coming up, I'll kinda "rush read" through certain parts. (side-eye) Don't act like you don't do it too!! However, reading it again lets you pay attention to some of the tiny details you might have rushed over the first time.
                                      
 

 Still want something new? Check out online ameture novels! You would be surprised at some of the amazing talent that has yet to be discovered. There are thousands of these sites that let new, up and coming authors post their writings for public viewers. Most of these sites are free and require no log in, while others require you to register. Either way its totally worth it. And don't forget to let the author know what you think!! These authors are trying to make a name for themselves and live their dream. So if there's a place for a comment show your support :)

 Now there's nothing better than a fantastic book AND an amazing snack to go with it! so here's one of my fave personal creations.....
                                    

                                          Chocolatey Coffey Yummy Brownies 

• Nonstick vegetable oil spray
• 2 cups sugar
• 15 tablespoons (2 sticks minus 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons finely ground coffee beans (Folgers chocolate silk works really well)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup pecan pieces
• 1 cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips (6 ounces)
• 6 tablespoons freshly brewed coffee

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9x2-inch metal pan with nonstick spray. Combine sugar, butter, cocoa, ground coffee, and salt in large METAL bowl. Place bowl over saucepan of simmering water and whisk until butter melts and ingredients are blended (texture will be grainy). Remove bowl from over water; cool mixture to lukewarm if necessary. Whisk in eggs and vanilla. Sift flour over and fold in. Mix in pecans.

Spread batter in prepared pan. Bake brownies until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool brownies in pan.

Place chocolate chips in small bowl. Bring brewed coffee to simmer in small saucepan; pour over chips and stir until melted and smooth. Let ganache stand until cool and beginning to thicken, about 1 hour; spread evenly over brownies. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; let stand at room temperature.) ENJOY

                                                                            OR

                                                            (the simple lazy way ;)

• 1 box any type brownie mix with nuts
• 4 tablespoons espresso powder or finely ground coffee
•  6 tablespoons brewed coffee
• tub of chocolate frosting
• teaspoon of oil

Make brownies according to package instructions. Add 3 tablespoons espresso or coffee powder. Add teaspoon of oil. Bake brownies according to package instructions. Combine frosting brewed coffee and last tablespoon of coffee powder. Microwave for 15 seconds at a time until soft. Spread frosting on top of brownies and Enjoy!!

  Hey Readers!!! Know any great Books or Recipes?? Or even a poem, short story or recipe you created yourself!! Let me know by emailing me at myittybittybits@gmail.com and I'll post it along with your picture if you'd like!