Brownie Bartering

This week I made a batch of my Fudgy Brownies from Vive. Now, I know I posted about these not too long ago, but there is a story here that I wanted to share, and also I added a lil' somethin' to these chocolatey gems!

My dear friend that comments here from time to time recently gave me a 10% off coupon to our local whole foods store. I do what I call "big shops" there when I can score a coupon (which isn't often), and stock up on things that typically don't go on sale. I kept telling her to keep it for herself, but she insisted, and hey, I'm no fool where food shopping is concerned!

Then, a week later, she gave me another coupon for 15% off. Holy hannah!! This time I said "listen, you need to do a big shop yourself, just make a list and stock up on things". She insisted again saying "I won't save more than $10 there on a shop, so you take it". I told her I would have to make it up to her sometime, and she said "just give me a few brownies the next time you make some". I replied "listen, you're getting a whole batch"!!

So yesterday I saw her at a kids' activity and said "I've got something for you". Well, that girl bounded like Tigger into the air with joy!! She got into the container straight away for an early chocolate treat...

and I made that batch extra-special for my extra-special friend! If you remember I mentioned the idea of topping the brownies with some chocolate chocolate and soy milk? - like a vegan ganache. You can see it in the photo, the lighter color layer topping the brownies. I didn't have chocolate chips handy, so I used the Endangered Species Bat Bar, broke it off in chunks and melted it with soy milk. I love that bar, but it IS a darker, more bitter chocolate, and because I used plain rather than vanilla soy milk, I worried it might be too bitter for my friend. But, she didn't think so, and I just love the little bits of cocoa nibs in that bar!

So, that's it, I have started bartering with brownies! I still think I owe her another batch later on!