Kitty’s Virtual Brownie Sharing Circle

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
Psalms 34:8

Yes, you read that right, this second VBSC post brings Kitty to the table. Her human of choice is writer and yarn (he)artist, L. Marie, a native Chicagoan. She earned an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts and continues to write, submit manuscripts and encourage others pursuing the writer’s path.
Actually, she encourages others, period. Skilled in crochet and knitting, she often yarns-up gifts for those she feels need a little unexpected lift or surprise.
Case in point, a few days ago, I discovered the owl featured in the photos below roosting in our snail mail box. I’m sure Kitty is relieved that she has one less ‘friend’ she’s obliged to share brownies with, but I’m touched at the thoughtfulness of my blogger buddy.
However, ‘owlie’ does not yet have a name…heck, (s)he doesn’t even have a gender designation. Soooo…if any ideas come to mind, please mention suggestions in the comments below along with any other thoughts this post may inspire.  
UPDATE: L. Marie and I have decided that “Owlie” fits him just fine.

Don’t forget to take a peek at L.Marie’s blog and maybe try out the brownie recipe at the end of this, her guest post.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m L. Marie. My blog is El Space: The Blog of L. Marie. Many thanks to Laura for inviting me to participate in her Virtual Brownie Sharing Circle. And thank you to Heather who wrote the original post that inspired Laura.

Actually, Kitty, who is sitting here staring at me, feels she was the inspiration behind the sharing circle, because she’s trying to turn over a new leaf. Less crime, more altruism—that sort of thing. In fact, she thinks it should be renamed the Kitty and Friends Virtual Brownie Sharing Circle, since she coerced invited two friends to join her in a photo op.
Though she doesn’t consider me a friend (more like a slave, really) she expected me to do all of the brownie baking while she did all of the tasting.
When it comes to brownies, I’m not much of a baker. A year ago, I made a box recipe that was supposed to be kindergarten easy. But the brownies turned out dry and about half the height they were supposed to achieve after baking.

 
My good friend Ginger makes great brownies. I’ve known Ginger for many years. Not only is a she a great wife, and mother to three offspring (two of whom are in college), she is also an administrative assistant at Covenant Classical School in Naperville, Illinois.
As if her life weren’t busy enough, Ginger also deals with Celiac disease. I’ll let her tell you about that.
 
 
 
El Space: How long have you had Celiac disease? What led to that diagnosis?
Ginger: Five years on February 21! I had a rash on my legs that never went away for over two years! I consulted many doctors and we tried many topical creams, but it never went away. Then I started having pain in my stomach that was constant, day and night. It was never sharp, but it was always there. The doctor ordered blood work and an endoscopy and I was diagnosed with Celiac disease.
El Space: How has having this disease changed your life?
Ginger: When I am not cooking at home, I have to make a plan of what I am going to eat. I have to read labels and bring food everywhere I go. I even have my own pans and toaster so there is no cross contamination in the kitchen. I feel so much better, so this makes it much easier to stay gluten free. I would say that the biggest change is a mental switch that social events are not all about the food. This has required a whole new way of thinking about meeting friends, holidays, birthday parties, and outings.
El Space: You’re one of the most cheerful, encouraging people I know. How has this life-changing event enabled you to encourage others?
Ginger: I have a greater sense of understanding what it feels like not fitting in and feeling left out. It points me first to Christ and remembering how my identity is in Him first. I am not alone. My compassion toward others has grown immensely. I have a greater understanding for others that may feel like they may not fit in for a variety of reasons.
I have had the benefit of having my family and friends include me in their meal plans or pick up something gluten free for me. Since this has meant so much to me, I have made attempts to do the same for others with a variety of dietary restrictions. This has challenged my culinary skills, but I have learned a lot in the process. I had some successes and failures, and most importantly, connected with others.

Thanks, Ginger. Now, here’s the recipe Ginger follows for making her brownies:

Ginger’s Gluten Free Brownie Recipe
Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter, melted
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ heaping cup of gluten free flour

Add in if desired (I love making the brownies extra special with candy, nuts, etc.)

• Pecans or walnuts
• Chocolate chips
• Reese’s peanut butter cups
• Andes mints

Directions:

• Spray an 8×8 glass pan with cooking spray.
• Preheat oven to 350.
• Mix together melted butter and cocoa powder until well blended.
• Add sugar, eggs, and flour and any mix-ins desired!
• Pour mix into pan and spread evenly.
• Bake 24-28 minutes until sides looked baked and toothpick comes out with just a bit of batter on it.