Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir
Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten In this heartfelt and inspiring memoir, beloved chef and television personality Ina Garten—widely known as the Barefoot Contessa—shares the story of her remarkable journey from an uncertain young woman working in government to a culinary icon.
Published in October 2024, the book chronicles her early years, her leap of faith in buying a specialty food store in the Hamptons, and her transformation into a bestselling cookbook author and Food Network star. Along the way, Ina reflects on the pivotal moments, challenges, and choices that shaped her life and career.
At its core, Be Ready When the Luck Happens is a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and the quiet power of trusting your instincts—and being ready when opportunity knocks.
Outrageous Brownies
byOutrageous Brownies are a true indulgence, and this chapter lays out a recipe that results in 20 large, rich, and decadent pieces. The ingredients required to create these brownies include 1 pound of unsalted butter, a blend of semisweet and unsweetened chocolate, totaling 1 pound plus 12 ounces, respectively. In addition to these key ingredients, the recipe calls for 6 extra-large eggs, 3 tablespoons of instant coffee granules, and 2 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. To balance out the richness of the chocolate, 2¼ cups of sugar and 1¼ cups of all-purpose flour are incorporated, along with 1 tablespoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of kosher salt. The recipe also includes 3 cups of chopped walnuts, which add texture and a slightly nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the batter.
To begin preparing these brownies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 12 × 18 × 1-inch baking sheet with butter, and then dust it with flour to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, melt together the butter, semisweet chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate over simmering water, stirring occasionally. Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly before moving on to the next step. While the chocolate mixture cools, combine the eggs, coffee granules, vanilla extract, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir these ingredients together gently but thoroughly, taking care not to overbeat. Once the chocolate mixture has cooled down, add it to the egg mixture, stirring until well combined, and allow the batter to cool to room temperature before proceeding.
Next, in a medium-sized bowl, sift together 1 cup of flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry ingredient mixture is then folded into the cooled chocolate batter, ensuring it is evenly mixed and smooth. To add more texture and flavor, toss the walnuts and the remaining 12 ounces of chocolate chips in ¼ cup of flour before folding them into the batter. The added flour helps to prevent the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of the batter. Once all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, pour the thick, rich batter into the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mixture evenly across the surface, ensuring it fills the pan from edge to edge, and is level.
Baking the brownies to perfection requires careful attention to timing. Start by baking the batter for 20 minutes, and then gently tap the baking sheet on the oven shelf to remove any air pockets in the batter. This step ensures the brownies bake evenly and have a smooth texture. After the initial 20 minutes, continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. It is crucial not to overbake the brownies, as they will continue to firm up while cooling. Once they are done baking, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool down further.
Once fully cooled, refrigerate the brownies to allow them to set and achieve the perfect texture. After chilling, cut them into 20 generous squares, each brimming with rich chocolate flavor and a delightful crunch from the walnuts and chocolate chips. The brownies are now ready to be enjoyed, offering an indulgent and irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these outrageous brownies are sure to please with their perfectly balanced sweetness and richness. The process might take some time, but the end result is undoubtedly worth the effort, providing a delicious dessert that’s sure to leave everyone craving more.
The recipe itself is straightforward but requires some patience and care in the preparation process to achieve the desired outcome. Each ingredient, from the semisweet and unsweetened chocolate to the addition of coffee, helps to create a flavor profile that’s rich, deep, and incredibly satisfying. The technique of folding in the flour mixture and ensuring the chocolate chips are properly distributed guarantees that every bite will be a perfect blend of moist, fudgy brownie and crunchy texture from the walnuts. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, following these instructions carefully will lead to a batch of Outrageous Brownies that’s nothing short of exceptional.
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