I had some left over cocoa powder from making truffles...so I TasteSpotted "cocoa powder" and this gorgeous looking recipe for bread came up. Between this morning's July 4th parade and tonight's festivities I had all day to leisurely let the dough rise, etc.
It's soft, chewy, and has melted chocolate chips . I substituted 2 cups of whole wheat flour for the 3 cups of white flour in the recipe so it's vaguely healthier. Whatever. It's chocolate bread!

PS I'm having fun with this so you guys may have to put up with more bread posts...

Plain Ole Whole Wheat Bread

I get annoyed shopping for bread at the supermarket because it'll always have a TON of ingredients like azodicarbonamide, high fructose corn syrup, and soy lecithin. I just want plain ole whole wheat bread, people! So I took matters into my own hands.

and it's yummy for a first attempt!
Ingredients: whole wheat flour, water, yeast, salt, and oil.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Greetings, my pretties! I've so enjoyed reading all of your posts and felt it was probably time for me to get in on the action. I was feeling like chocolate chip cookies a few days ago, so I made some! The recipe is my mother's own, and when I was younger I liked to eat it raw by the spoonful. Now I just use my fingers. No judging!

Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 c. butter, room temp
3/4 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1 t. vanilla
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
2 c. flour
1 c. oats
2 c. chocolate chips

Cream the butter and sugars. Add all the other stuff in the order listed (roughly). I suggest using an electric mixer for everything up to the chocolate chips, and then stir those in by hand. Bake in 350 degree oven for ~10 minutes (I start checking at 7 and set the timer accordingly). Enjoy!

Breakfast in Madison, WI

I got this beautiful (and delicious!) plate of pancakes at Frida Mexican Grill on State Street.

Ames, you would love Madison. They're very proud of their cheese.

I'm Sticking with Kozy Shack

I tried to make stovetop rice pudding, but it looks like a bowl of rice and tastes like a bowl of chalk! I'm not sure what I did wrong, but I'm guessing I cooked too much of the liquid out of it. Any tips?

"Gastrosexuals"

I haven't been able to make any food--USC locks the kitchens in their dorms--so I have not been posting. Boo. I should be taking more pictures at restaurants, but I'm always so hungry I forget...

However, I did see this ridiculous document written by market researchers about a new, hip group they term "gastrosexuals." Basically, guys who cook.

Be amazed here: http://www.gastrosexual.com/EmergenceoftheGastrosexual.pdf

And read comments on the original thread here: http://www.metafilter.com/82657/Savory-seasonings-stimulate-the-appetite

Beet Curry

I think most people don't like beets. I like them but I've only had them in curries, not salads or anything else. My mom is a big fan and says that they're really healthy.

I love the color. The only downside, though, is that beets will temporarily stain your hands. And if you're messy it'll look like you murdered something in the kitchen.
As for taste, the curry is a little too sweet, even though I added spices and salt. I'll have to ask my mom how she makes it more savory.