pastor's girl's ponderings

everyday moments || february

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:56:00 +0000

After a break, Ellie and I are back with our everyday moments collaboration. February was a good, yet quiet, month. I'm starting to climb back out of the creative winter slump, though I had to keep reminding myself that my camera was just sitting on the shelf and I should really use it. It isn't always easy to get back into the rhythm of regularly taking photographs. Though, it isn't easy to constantly be creative and artistic, either. I'm moving into the career field of graphic design, and while it's terribly exciting, there's a part of me that's scared witless because of all the creative energy that will be required. It's funny, you never know where ideas come from, where creativity comes from. And tomorrow? Who knows when or where or how tomorrow's ideas will come. I suppose taking it one day at a time is the only way. As for today, it involves messy braids, writing a paper, and soaking up the sunshine...who knows what tomorrow will bring?

How was your February?

things to be happy about, v.iii

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:08:00 +0000

[dress, shrug, shoes: target // scarf + belt: thrifted// tights: forever 21]

I'm sure I'm not the only one longing for summer, but until then, I've been soaking up this February spring weather and gardening in a polka dot dress (I totally felt like a nineteen fifties housewife). My window is almost always open in the afternoon, the sun streaming through the panes. Have I ever mentioned how much I love having a room in the west part of the house? Oh, and I've been getting my sugar fix in before I give it all up tomorrow. I'm actually really excited about going on a (completely) sugar-free diet...I'm trying it out during lent (are you giving anything up?), but who knows, maybe I'll stay sugar free.

Things to be happy about, volume three:

salted chocolate chip cookies // lilly and her sweet friend jojo all dressed up to go on a date (they are the most adorable couple ever and are destined to marry one day) // the rich, damp smell of spring // the fact that i am less than 100 days from being done with school for the year // grilled cheese sandwiches with strawberry jam // afternoon sunlight streaming into a tidy room // polka dot dresses and messy buns
xo

the ones I want to remember

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:16:00 +0000

Gallivanting through the forest, stopping to inspect bits of moss or mushrooms growing on a tree, being careful not to step in spots of squishy mud, a cloudy day was transformed into sunshine, if only metaphorically. I like these times, exploring craggy terrain, running through a wide open meadow, gripping a tiny hand and talking about life. Later, we packed up, hearts pounding from the hike, and went out to lunch and froyo, singing along to the radio and laughing over utter nonsense. We have our ups and downs, but there truly is nothing like family. I would be overwhelmingly lost without them.

One of my favorites things to do is reread old posts and diary entries. There's a certain sweetness about reliving past moments. It's funny how it works, though, not realizing just how good a time was until you're looking back. And this space helps remind me how sweet life really is when I'm feeling down. I have bad, even awful days, yes, but here I like to focus on the good instead of the bad. Because honestly, most of those things I get upset and cry over? They're probably just going to fade into oblivion a week from now. But these precious moments spend with friends and family? They're the ones I want to remember the rest of my life.

in the morning mist

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:11:00 +0000

The morning is cloaked in a heavy layer mist, cold and silent and grey. It wraps around the trees and envelopes the path ahead of us, making it hard to see further than a few feet. There's an aura of mystery and it gives me that certain indescribable feeling as only fog can do. Under that cloak of mist, I can't stop worrying about the future of my life. I feel like my life has been going down a path to a very distant unknown...and now all of a sudden that distant unknown is becoming very real and very close, yet still largely unknown. The path, which used to be so straight and carefree, is beginning to split in myriad directions and I'm not sure which to choose. I get so frustrated thinking about it: the uncertainty, the way education and the workforce is set up, knowing what I want to do but not knowing how to go about it in a orthodox manner. My trust is still placed in God's divine plan, but that doesn't mean it's not scary. Because it really is. I steer my thoughts back to the present, admiring the way the tree tops look like mere shadows. I take a deep breath and whisper a prayer. I can do this.

ps thank you so much for your sweet birthday wishes to lilly! she read them all and couldn't stop smiling.

the lilster is six.

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:29:00 +0000

Sometimes I truly wonder where the time goes. Just when it seems like time can't go any slower, boom, six years pass faster than you can snap your fingers. And today, I honestly cannot believe this little monkey is already six. I remember the anticipation, the seemingly endless months of waiting, and the excitement like it was yesterday. I was that proud sister who burst into that homeschool meeting we were supposed to attend that Monday she was born, yelling at the top of my lungs, "It's a girl! It's a girl!". My dad still has the post-in note on which I hastily scrawled, "Baby born! 7:10am, 7 pounds 8 ounces." And later, looking down at her nestled between pillows on the bed, committing her tiny body and sweet newborn scent to memory, is a moment I'll never forget.

Lilly, Lilster, Monkey, Lil, Lillybug (and the myriad of other nicknames you've managed to accumulate in your short life), happy birthday. I love you so much and can't imagine life without you. You're the best.

xx

friday five

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:49:00 +0000

[poncho: gift from my grandmother, bought in chile / top: unknown / jeans: target / boots: stolen from mama / bag: target]

A few highlights from this past week:

[1] kinfolk

My local Anthropologie was finally stocked with volumes of Kinfolk. I may or may not have had a heart attack. It's absolutely stunning, seeing it in print and getting to feel the weight of it in your hands.

[2] blossoms in february

Yes, really. I cannot get over it.

[3] ponchos

Officially the best piece of clothing ever. It's like getting to walk around in a super soft, super warm blanket--what's not to love?

[4] give me love

...by Ed Sheeran. Go give it a listen, if you haven't already. So good. And while we're on the topic of music, I learned how to play the Downton Abbey theme song on the piano. (I'm sorry, loves, can you ever forgive my fangirling?)

[5] you!

I feel so crazy, incredibly blessed to have wonderful people like you reading my little posts. Thank you all so much for your amazing feedback in regards to the changes of this space, too. You're the best.

What are some highlights from your week?

wondrously alive

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:05:00 +0000

The air had that smell and feeling that is only present in those precious hours before noon – crisp and clear and refreshing rolled up all together in an intoxicating scent. I pushed myself harder. My lungs ached from breathing in the cool air, my legs burned, and I was gasping for breath. The birds continued to twitter, oblivious to my self-inflicted distress. Ricocheting through my body, my heart beat as if a drum, the blood pulsing fast through my veins. I didn't mind the pain so much, though – it meant that I was alive, gloriously, wondrously alive.

I'm a normal, living, breathing human being. I cry more than I'd care to admit. I get frustrated, overwhelmed, angry...and the tears come, slipping down my cheeks, salty and rapid. It's okay to cry sometimes, though. It doesn't mean you're weak – it's always been a sign that you're alive. Wondrously, gloriously alive.

refining and identifying.

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:23:00 +0000

Late the other night, I sat in my bed and wrote. Nighttime does that to me -- it makes everything clearer and more straight forward, and it's one of my favorite times to fill pages with words. On this particular night, the time had come to narrow down and find what exactly I want this space to be, as well as how I want to be defined as an artist. It was an accumulation of weeks of branding, from design to aesthetic to posts and everything in between. It's not that I'm unhappy with the blog -- on the contrary, I've reached a place where blogging comes easily and freely; it's my unwinding time, honestly.

But, having said that, I think at some time in every artist's life -- whether it be photographer or designer or painter -- there comes a craving to be a little more different, a little more you than everyone else. I suppose branding can also be defined as refining and identifying one's personal style. It's rather hard to stand out as an individual when one is trying to be like someone else and comparing their work to others', don't you think?

One of the main things I'm focusing on, besides aesthetic, is interacting with my readers more -- that is, all you lovely people. Blogger has recently implemented the threaded comment system and I'm going to try my hardest to be more active in the comment section of posts. And as for the posts themselves, they won't change too much for you, but they'll be more streamlined and focusing on a few select topics.

So, I've redefined and dug deeper into my personal style with a blog redesign and further branding both as a blogger and for this space, and I'm excited, loves.

much love.

ps guest posting about oklahoma over on kristen's blog -- come say hi!

double exposures.

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:48:00 +0000

I've been experimenting with double exposure photography over the past few days -- I find it rather enchanting and whimsical (though I must confess I'm left bit disoriented after awhile, ha!) Do you have a favorite?

I don't have much to say today -- all my free time lately has been devoted to working on the blog changes (which will launch Monday, be sure to check back!). It's only February third, but this month has already felt so long. I like it though -- it's so nice to finally have a bit of extra time to do things other than school. And the weather has been crazy mild. This time last year, we were drowning in snow; this year, it's sixty and seventy degrees every day. I'm not a huge fan of winter, but this is a bit strange, I must say.

As for today, it's been filled with rain and shopping and The Avett Brothers. And for tonight, I'm thinking some more Downton Abbey is in order. (fifth night in a row! can't get enough.)

Happy Friday, loves.

exploring.

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:57:00 +0000

[i love these two so much.]

The sun wrapped tendrils of sweet warmth around me, the gentle breeze rippled through the bare branches, and the sweet cacophony of the birds sang their afternoon song (a symphony greater than anything man-made), while we strayed off the path and went exploring in the bushes. We knew that we were in the middle of civilization, but pretended (or at least I did) we were instead in a remote patch of woods. Sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of uncertainty--planning your future can be and is insanely scary--and it was good for me to get away from it all and change the scenery a bit, especially with the best friend and the best sibs. It was such a simple moment that we shared together, but it was a surefire way to start a good week. When can we go exploring again?

ps over the last few days, i've been working on some changes to this space that will launch in february (which is already tomorrow, eek!). so excited for you all to see them!

in the afternoon

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:52:00 +0000

I spent the afternoon journaling, sipping coffee, eating ice cream, and gardening. The weather has been so unseasonably warm this year -- but I'm not complaining. It's rather nice not having to worry about bundling up. And as for journaling, that's something I've started this week. I've always kept a diary, and I regularly fill up notebooks with my writing, but I intend to make this new journal visually appealing as well. I like sitting down in the afternoon to fill blank pages with quotes and song lyrics and blackout poems and short stories.

Do you journal?

ps i caved and got a formspring account...ask away, loves!

we went globetrotting.

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:25:00 +0000

I've spent the past four days surrounded by snowy vineyards, forests with impossibly tall trees, and wonderfully foggy lakes. I flew thirty-two thousand feet above the earth, took photographs in the cold until my fingers throbbed, and laughed until my sides ached. I experienced new things, met new people...and fell blissfully in love with a new country.

My dad was invited to be a keynote speaker at a conference in Canada, near Niagara Falls, and I jumped at the opportunity to come along (oh, the perks of being a pastor's daughter, ha!). It was such an adventure, and I never expected to fall so utterly in love with this gorgeous country, especially when it was blanketed by a fresh layer of snow.

I'm home now. Yes, it's nice to be back in my own bed and surrounded by family, but there is a part of me that misses Canada so. I'm a bit reluctant to get back into the daily grind of life, though I suppose all good things must come to an end. But the memories we made will be unforgettable and I feel crazy blessed to have these new experiences.

Canada? I'm coming back. Promise.

wallflower

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:03:00 +0000

[photos from my trip to paris]

Sometimes, I dream about moving to a foreign city, with hidden streets and secrets woven into the plaster. I intertwine my fantasy with the memories of Europe I have tucked away in my mind. Slipping in and out of shops and wandering the cobblestoned paths with no particular destination. Walking about, seeing but not being seen; just watching the masses of people going about their daily business. People fascinate me.
My favorite cafe in Paris is the one in Montmartre, the pastries and breads lined up artfully behind the shiny glass. Sitting at a little table with a buttery, flaky pain au chocolat and frothy cafe au lait, I'd rest my feet and record my observations. I'd gather up my notebook and camera to explore and wander some more, then head back to my little flat to sit on the roof and watch the sun set, only to repeat it all over again the next day.

It sounds terribly romantic, does it? Simply being an observer of life? Because sometimes being a wallflower in a bustling city sounds so tempting.

things to be happy about, v.ii

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:18:00 +0000

[sweater: target / dress: target / scarf: unknown / belt: thrifted / tights: forever21]

I got this crazy notion in my head to build a wooden backdrop for my photography out of an old pallet. Over the course of a few days, Jeremiah and I (but mainly J) pieced together exactly what I had in mind -- all without instructions or splinters. A brother that builds things for you...what's not to love?

On a side note, I don't have much of a green thumb, but my little succulent is thriving marvelously. I feel like a proud mama.

Continuing the things to be happy about list, here's installment two.

that sweet relieving feeling of being all done with exams // 77 degree weather and tomatoes from the garden in january (yes really) // the excitement of packing for a trip // that state of mourning you enter when you finish a good book // sweater tights // planning for summer // the knowledge that God has a plan // being productive // salted caramel hot chocolate at starbucks // brothers that help you with your crazy ideas

What are some things you're happy about?

much love.

snow blanket

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:53:00 +0000

It fell. I stood there at the window, curtains parted, and watched as it fell in big, soft, powdery flakes. The snow drifted lazily down to the earth and blanketed the grass and trees and bushes. It was beautiful. There's something magical about the first snow, exciting and cozy and happy all rolled into one. I like waking up to an enchanted world the next morning, seeing the world transformed from drab greys and browns to sparkling white.

It's almost a sacred event, being the first to make footprints in that stunning, smooth, untouched layer in a quiet, muffled world. Sometimes I feel guilty about ruining it, but feeling the satisfying crunch-crunch underfoot, breath swirling about my head like a wispy cloud...it's worth it. But still, I always retrace my steps exactly, so the rest of the snow is still left pure.

It's all melted now, just a few remnants laying in shady patches. But oh, it was so beautiful while it lasted.

Have you had your first snow yet?

at the moment

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:25:00 +0000

I made cookies today -- because when that chocolate craving strikes, you can't possibly ignore it. An hour, a few spoonfuls of dough, and a mess of a kitchen later, I bit into a warm cookie. The perfectly crackly crust gave way to a soft, chewy interior...and there was much rejoicing in the land. (see the recipe for chocolate chunk cookies)

It's safe to say I've hit that inevitable January slump (which is most likely why I've been consuming so much chocolate). It's only the second week back to class and I'm already wishing for a second Christmas break. I've become a pro at stressing over exams and, consequently, finding ways to evade studying. It's an art, really. Needless to say, I'll be more than relieved once January is over.

In the meantime, though, I'm making due by enjoying the unseasonably warm weather and watching this Lucy Chadwick video over and over. Magical.

floating

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 01:18:00 +0000

As the shadows lengthened and the sun gently began slipping towards the horizon, we stole to our own little magical world. She blew; a bubble formed and floated onto the leafy, verdant leaves, the sun streaming through the translucent dome until it popped and another took its place. She blew again, coaxing the soapy film on the wand to form a sphere, adding to the others already dancing around her hair. We stayed out in our enchanted garden until the sun, in all its glory, kissed the world goodbye for the day.

Sometimes, I'd give anything to go back to those late summer evenings.

photos taken in september

content to be

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:12:00 +0000

Right now, I am content. It's nothing more than the morning sun streaming through the glass windowpanes, the gurgle and hum of the dishwasher running in the clean kitchen, a nutty piece of chocolate melting on my tongue, and the knowledge that I have a whole day to fill, stretched out before me like a sea of possibility. I think that's why I like mornings so -- the potential to create, work, experience, live. And on this silent, peaceful morning, that's what's I'm reveling in. I rush to the next moment so often, worrying, anticipating, wishing, when all along the quiet, overlooked moments are the ones really worth keeping. I just want to remember this feeling, this minute, this second. Because right now, I am just content to be.

Some photos from lately:

Happy Wednesday, friends.

ps thoughts on the new design? I was itching for a change...also, thank you, thank you, thank you for your wonderful support and feedback in regards to Fernweh. So grateful.

an ache for the distance

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

It's made up of wishes and hopes, schemes and dreams, all pulled together by sheer determination and plain hard work. Looking back over the past few months, I'm in disbelief that we actually made it. It's been a whirlwind of excitement and now, it's a reality. That's one thing I love about the internet -- what might seem a crazy idea at first can actually be made manifest. That knowledge that six girls spread across the globe can come together and create something like this, regardless of distance, is astounding.

I'd like to introduce you to Fernweh, an online magazine that celebrates the simple life. Fernweh is a German word -- it literally means farsickness, or an ache for the distance (read our manifesto to learn more about the name). We hope to communicate this feeling to you by our articles, which include fashion, photography, food, and literature. To put it mildly, I'm crazy excited about this. Be sure to check it out and give us your feedback!

Libby, Katie, Abbey, Hannah, Kendall...I love you all so much. And I think we make a pretty great team, no?

Oh, and happy 2012, lovelies. I rang in the new year curled up in bed, reading a book. That has to count for something, right?

xo

this year

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:15:00 +0000

It seems by the alarming lack of calendar spaces that 2011 has nearly slipped by. How can this be? I still find myself thinking it's April -- I'm not entirely sure where the time goes.
This year has been an experience, that's for sure. Just like every year, there were good days and bad days. I learned more about myself and who I am, and have grown so much as a person. I'm leaving this year behind with some regrets, yes, but I'm also leaving it behind with so many warm memories.

This year, I relished each little moment more. Writing become a passion, I found my own little niche in the world, and learned why I blog. I met people through this little thing called blogging that I've grown so close to, and starting exploring more into the world of fashion. I traveled, lots. This summer broke records in terms of heat, but I've never had a season that was so wonderful. I turned another year older...and hopefully another year wiser, too. My sister Alina visited for a month, I scored the best thrifting find of my life and there were early mornings consisting of waffles and rain. I discovered my happy place and launched Red Currant.

2011 was a year of excitement and planning, of discovering and growing as a person. This year wasn't perfect, but every single trial was placed there by God to strengthen my faith. Honestly, looking back? I wouldn't change a thing. My only new year's resolution for 2012 is to live fully and appreciate this life that has been given to me.

How was your 2011? Any new year's resolutions? Do tell!

***
ps I have a few advertisting spots left -- interested in sponsoring pastor's girl's ponderings in the new year? don't hesitate to contact me!

have a cup of cheer

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:51:00 +0000

On Christmas Eve, after the dishes had been washed and put away, the presents wrapped, the fire reduced to embers, we slipped out into the night in a cloud of perfume and fancy clothing. Later, as we stood in a darkened sanctuary at midnight, singing carols by candlelight, I remembered just how much I loved this time of year. I stood there in a silent reverie, soaking in the moment, imprinting it on my mind. And when the service ended, I tucked the memory away, to be opened and unfolded in the future like a comforting quilt.

Christmas was wonderful. It was shrouded in a heart-warming cloak of family, friends and food -- lots of it. The day went as quickly as it came, though. I'm always a bit sad when all the weeks of anticipation are suddenly ended in twenty four short hours. But amidst the piles of wrapping strewn about the living room (all those beautifully wrapped packages laying there in a heap! so sad.), the second and third and fourth helpings of food, the kind of laughter that makes your sides ache, memories were made. And in the end, that's all that really matters.

How was your Christmas, lovelies?

the true meaning

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 01:31:00 +0000

Christmas has been my favorite holiday for as long as I can remember. I like the flurry of excitement, the food, the traditions that are wrapped around the season and tied neatly with a bow. But this year...maybe it's because I'm getting older and some of the magic has faded or the fact that time is simply going too quickly, but that little seed of Christmas cheer that's usually planted in the beginning of December just wasn't there this year. Feelings of excitement and joy were replaced with stress and exhaustion -- and the harder I tried to get that cheer, the less I succeeded.
Until I realized something; those things aren't what this time of year is about. It's not about feeling merry and bright -- it's about the quiet anticipation of the birth of our Savior, who humbled himself to be born of a virgin, who died the death of a criminal on a cross. For us. He who is perfectly holy and perfect hung on a cross, for our sins, so that all who believe in him may live in Heaven eternally.

That's what should be on my heart this Christmas, not lamenting the fact that my enthusiasm is missing. And I found, that once I focused on the true meaning, the excitement for December 25th came with it.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, which brings the eleven pm candlelight service, my absolute favorite of the year. I am excited to spend a weekend of family and food, excited to relish in festivities, and most of all, excited to celebrate the birth of our Lord.

And because I can't bear to go without my favorite Christmas video ever...

Merry, merry Christmas, friends.

rainy afternoons

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:50:00 +0000

I know this is cliche, but I really love the rain. I like the way it taps out a melody that says listen to me, the way it makes snuggling up with a blanket and a book that much better, the way it makes the room dark in the middle of the afternoon.

The rain and warmer weather is causing the trees to be all confused -- they're in a strange transitional phase. Some leaves are still green, some brown and crackly, some completely barren, and then there are the ones that are budding. Yes -- budding. Oklahoma seasons are always interesting.

The best way to spend a rainy afternoon is sitting in bed, watching the droplets fall in rapid succession, eating cappuccino cookie dough ice cream (my own invention, thankyouverymuch) and knitting by the glow of the lights strung through my headboard. I probably could have stayed there the rest of the day.

I'm off to go eat a grapefruit sprinkled with sugar. Christmas break is already off to a glorious start.

the sound of silence

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:19:00 +0000

I am constantly surrounded by sound. Music, people's voices, the cars outside, the pitter-patter of rain or the whistle of the wind. And sometimes, the constant stream of noise suddenly crosses that line, switching from enjoyable to unbearable and my head starts to pound. Sometimes, I just need silence.

When I turn everything off and let the quiet slowly descend, wrapping around me like a cloak, it feels as if though I am taking a deep breath. It's a pleasant kind of silence, swirling around me and settling on my shoulders. The quiet washes over me and fills my ears and I can feel myself start to relax.

Maybe it's the unusual weather, or the stress of the past week (finally on christmas break as of yesterday, hallelujah!), but I've been in a pensive, quiet, observant mood lately. Call me anti-social, but lately I've honestly preferred to sit alone with my writing than having to go out and talk to other human beings. I've been writing letters to people that I'll never send, sitting at my desk staring at the slate-grey sky, and unintentionally dressing in rather sober colors (need to get some more color in my winter wardrobe). Winter's kind of depressing sometimes, I have to confess. But for now, I'll try to throw myself into the Christmas spirit and sit in silence and write.

***

ps I'm currently in the process of updating my faq page -- any questions you have that you'd like for me to include? feel free to leave them here or via email. thanks friends!

salted caramel brownies

noreply@blogger.com (carlotta) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:27:00 +0000

There's a certain beauty about the baking process. The way sifted flour creates a thin white powdery layer along the bottom of a shiny metal bowl, or watching chocolate slowly morph into liquid, or the feel of dough in your hands, kneading and shaping. I like how simple ingredients, when combined and mixed and swirled, create something totally different.

Salted caramel is one of my favorite combinations. (my favorite thing at starbucks is the salted caramel mocha. mmm.) The sweet, slightly nutty taste balanced out by sea salt gets me every time. But when this mixture is folded into brownies...hello, heaven just got a little bit closer. The flavors meld together so well, I just close my eyes and savor.

While you could use store-bought caramel, the taste that comes with making your own is so much better. While it may seem daunting, it's really not that difficult at all -- it just takes a watchful eye and a steady arm to stir. It helps to have everything you need already laid out, as once you have the sugar in the pan, everything happens pretty quickly afterwards.

These brownies are pretty dang heavenly, guys. And here's how to make them.

salted caramel brownies

for the brownies:

* 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

* 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter

* 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

* 3 eggs

* 1 cup granulated sugar

* 2 tsp vanilla extract

* 1 cup all-purpose white flour

* 1/2 tsp sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and butter an 8-inch square baking pan. In a double boiler (or bowl set over boiling pot of water), melt together the chocolate chips and butter, stirring until smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder and set aside. Whisk together the eggs, vanilla, and sugar until combined. Stir in the melted chocolate, then gently add the flour and stir just until combined. Pour half of the brownie batter in the pan and spoon the caramel sauce until surface is covered. Add the rest of the brownie batter and spread some more sauce until everything is covered. Run a butter knife through the batter to create swirls. Bake until slightly puffed and a inserted toothpick in the center comes out with a few sticky crumbs, about 25 minutes. Cool to room temperature, about 2 hours, and drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sea salt.

For the salted caramel sauce:

(note: this recipe makes enough for two batches of brownies)

* 1 cup granulated sugar

* 6 tsp unsalted butter, room temperature

* 2/3 cup heavy cream

* 1 tsp fine sea salt

Heat the sugar over medium heat in a sauté pan. Whisk as the sugar melts, about five minutes. This burns very quickly -- don't stop stirring! Some sugar will harden into clumps; this is normal. Keep on whisking until the sugar turns a dark amber color. Whisk in the salt and butter all at once and stir until incorporated. Remove pan from heat and add heavy cream (it will foam up when first added). Continue to whisk until you have a smooth sauce.

Enjoy! xo