Today's Kool Idea: Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan

Every week, we try to spend a little time in the kitchen, fostering our love for baking. Lately, The Daily Kool family has become obsessed with baking the perfect brownie. You know which one we're talking about...moist and extravagant truffle-like brownies that have a crackly top, yet are tender with slightly chewy edges. Yum. A perfect edge is the pride and joy of any brownie baker, yet is often unattainable with a standard brownie baking pan.

Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan is definitely not standard...but, it has certainly exceeded it! Look at how "kool" this gourmet baking pan is...its award-winning design has these patented sidewalls that circulate heat more evenly throughout the pan. No more mushy middles, and every individual serving boasts two perfect edges...fabulous if you're an edge family like we are. These days, we expect all high quality bakeware to have a premium nonstick coating for easy removal, and the Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan does not disappoint (though we tend to grease our pans regardless). We love the recessed handles that make it easy to turn the pan upside down, but also appreciate the flexible nylon spatula the company has provided in case we want to take just one piece.

The Daily Kool simply does not believe in investing in a one-dish wonder. So, it's nice to know that the Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan has been designed to fit all 9" x 13" recipes. Not only is it great for brownie, cookie bar and cake mixes...but, we can also use it for most of our casserole recipes. The company is coming out with a nonstick edge lasagna pan in the near future, but we actually plan on trying this dish out in the brownie pan...should be fine for a family of four. Plus, the Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan is oven safe up to 500 degrees and broiler safe for even browning. Keep in mind that the interior volume is sized to accommodate approximately 11 cups, so make sure to plan your recipes accordingly. And, please do not put the Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan in the dishwasher...in fact, all bakeware, regardless of whether it's dishwasher safe, will last much longer if hand-washed.

If there is one thing we've learned about kitchen items, never skimp on bakeware, and always get the highest quality your budget can possibly afford. It might seem a little extravagant, but indulge yourself with Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan...and the reward will pay for itself in the years to come. This pan makes a fabulous gift for the home baker, and is bound to become a staple in your own kitchen. Now that we've completely worked up our appetite, we've shared our favorite brownie recipe for you below. Enjoy!

Cocoa Fudge Brownies

Ingredients for Brownies:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar (we use light brown, but either is fine)
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, optional (but no brownie is the same without them!)

Ingredients for Frosting:

• 2-3 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, slightly softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-6 tablespoons warm water, as needed.
  

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease your Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan and set aside.

Brownies: In a bowl, blend the melted butter and the sugars together. Blend in the eggs, vanilla, cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking soda and nuts (if using) in that order to make a smooth batter. Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the middle is just set and does not seem wet and jiggly when touched. Check the brownies after 20 minutes so you do not overbake them (depends on how your oven cooks). Cool thoroughly in the pan.

Frosting: In a bowl, combine the confectioners sugar with the cocoa. Add the butter and cream with the dry ingredients. Add the vanilla and water as required to make a fluffy, spreadable frosting. Frost the completely cooled brownies and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting and serving. We prefer to eat our brownies cold, right out of the fridge.

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Today's Kool Idea: Caramel Apples for National Teacher Day

Tomorrow is National Teacher Day, and is part of a week-long celebration honoring our teachers. It is our children's opportunity to thank the special teachers in their lives for their hard work and dedication throughout the school year. Few professionals impact our lives as teachers do...each of us has undoubtedly had at least one teacher who profoundly affected and inspired us as children (and adults). Though we believe that teachers should be recognized every day, National Teacher Day is indeed an ideal time to join together with other communities and acknowledge how much we value and respect their contributions to our children's future.

National Teacher Day is met with much anticipation in The Daily Kool household. Our kids aren't satisfied unless they give presents to all of their teachers...homemade, of course. So, every year, we grab a bunch of extra-large Granny Smiths and make a perennial favorite...caramel apples. One of these delectable creations in a gift bag complete with ribbon and a handmade tag makes a perfect token for National Teacher Day. Trite? Perhaps, but seriously...these are incredibly well received by every teacher our kids have given them to. Plus, making caramel apples is a great way to bond with our children in the kitchen.

Caramel apples can be a fickle business...they are definitely not for the faint of heart. The biggest obstacle that most of us face is keeping that $@%&! caramel from sliding off the apple. Trust us...we empathize. After all, we have certainly had our share of unsuccessful caramel apple attempts. That's why The Daily Kool is here to help you create this delicious treat with minimal glitches and optimum success. Be aware, though...they won't necessarily be picture perfect...if you're unwilling to settle for anything less and are willing to pay a premium, feel free to leave it to the professionals at your local gourmet chocolate establishment, Mrs. Prindables or Amy's (award winning and our personal favorite). Don't worry...we won't judge.

The key to preventing the caramel slide is in the preparation of your apple. We use room-temperature apples only, washed thoroughly and then dried completely. This is extremely important...if your apple is not dry, it will not hold your caramel. Another trick is to make sure that there is no waxy residue on your apple. A quick scrub with a veggie brush has always worked for us, but you can always dip the apple in boiling water first...be careful to do this very quickly, though...otherwise it will be disastrous.

Once you get over the caramel hurdle, it is really incredibly easy to create scrumptious caramel apples. We have put the recipe we use below...don't expect homemade caramel from The Daily Kool here, though...remember, we are doing this with the kids, so we stick to the basics...and Kraft wrapped caramels, of course. Making caramel apples is a fun and rewarding activity to do with the kids. It is just a small way of expressing our gratitude for the difference teachers make in our lives every day. So, please take a moment to thank your teachers on National Teacher Day for bringing passion and a commitment to educating, inspiring and empowering our children. They deserve it!


Slow Cooker Caramel Apples

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (14oz each) Kraft wrapped caramels
• 1/4 cup water (or milk)
  
• 6-8 medium (or 3-4 large) apples (we like Granny Smith, but McIntosh, Gala, or Fuji work fine also)
  
• sticks for apples (we prefer craft picks with a pointed edge for better insertion)

Directions:

1. Prepare apples as described above. Insert pick (or stick) into stem end of each apple and set aside.
   
2. In slow cooker, combine caramels and water. Cover and cook on high for 1 to 1-1/2 hours, or until melted, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. When melted, switch setting to LOW.
   
3. Line a baking pan with parchment paper...butter or spray with Pam.
4. Dip apple into hot caramel, turning to coat entire surface, spooning caramel over apples if necessary...please supervise your children carefully if they are helping with this step...the crock pot will be hot and caramel can scald.
5. Holding the apple above the pot, allow excess caramel to drip off, then scrape bottoms of apples and place on prepared pan.
6. Put the pan of coated apples in the refrigerator at least one hour to set thoroughly.

Note: Though we prefer to use a slow cooker for our caramel apples, you can also get great results with a large saucepan on medium low.

Another Note: We sometimes get more creative with this recipe by rolling the bottom of each freshly dipped apple (before refrigeration) into one of the following: crushed Oreo cookies, chopped nuts, sprinkles, mini M&Ms, etc. We wear latex-type gloves for this step to help firmly press the toppings. We have also drizzled dipped apples with melted milk, white and/or dark chocolate. The possibilities are endless!

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Today's Kool Idea: Gift of the Month Club for Mother's Day

Gift of the month clubs are always a successful, albeit expensive choice for a loved one. For the mother who seems to have everything (like ours), it's a unique and thoughtful gift that keeps giving. The Daily Kool has given several monthly club memberships as gifts over the years. Our favorites so far are Harry and David's Fruit-of-the-Month Club and Wolferman's Muffin Club. The quality and customer service of both companies has always been outstanding. Our only complaint is the lack of variety available. Oh, don't get us wrong...there are different delectable monthly features from each company. It's just that the choice is always going to be fruit from Harry and David and muffins from Wolferman's. What if we want both? Or something else added?

ClubsGalore seems to have come up with the perfect solution with their variety gift of the month club membership options. Not only do they have over 20 individual monthly clubs available, but you have the option of mixing and matching them, resulting a personalized combination that suits your mother's tastes. In other words, you can select the gourmet club for one month, the wine club for another and even the chocolate club for a third. You can even repeat any favorite club in a given month. We love ClubsGalore's unconditional guarantee...if your mother is not thrilled, she (or you) can cancel the gift of the month club membership at any time for a refund of the remaining deliveries.

Although we absolutely love the variety and options of the gift of the month club memberships from ClubsGalore, we do have one complaint. The website does not show anywhere what specific item is shipped in a given month for a particular club. We would much rather know, for example what each club is featuring in May, June and July so we can ensure the most personalized gift collection. ClubsGalore seems to be lacking in that flexibility. In due fairness, however, The Flying Noodle, a notable other gift club company (though they do not offer a variety option) does not give this kind of detail either. But seriously, folks...The Daily Kool wants details...lots of details.

Though we may not be privy to all the details we would like from ClubsGalore online, the variety gift of the month club membership option might still make it worthwhile. If you want to give your mother three months of total relaxation (for example), one month of tea, another of candles and yet another of bath and body might be the perfect gift of the month club variety for you. Of course, there are enough individual club memberships that are sure to please. For example, the menus and music (recipes and CDs) club is perfect for the mom who loves to create her own fine dining experience at home. There is also a pie club, cake club and even a cookie club for moms with an undeniable sweet tooth. Regardless of which options you prefer, ClubsGalore and even The Flying Noodle are definitely worth checking out for an unusual Mother's Day gift. If not...well, we still love Wolferman's and Harry and David!





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