I knew it would be hard, but I did not know it would hurt so much. But it does. After a week of excitement, fun with my parents and brother and the party of the year – our vow renewing ceremony, the time came to say goodbye to a few close friends.
They came from all over Germany just for our party and of course to say farewell. We knew we would not be seeing a few of them for – well for a while. Although the word was not spoken, because who likes to say goodbye to dear, dear friends, we had tears in our eyes. With promises of seeing each other on Skype regularly, we knew it was just a deviation to make it stop hurting so bad.
Well after a merry week, last week saw us fall into a little pit of wistfulness. We’re clinging on to memories and in between packing boxes we can’t help but reminisce of all the wonderful times we had in Weimar. Tom has left to Essen to get acquainted with his team here in Germany. The Qatar team called yesterday – they need him soon – the project is going to start. So, he’ll be heading for Doha in a couple of weeks. Soeren and I – well we have 6 weeks to go!
And we’re clinging to those 6 weeks. My girlfriends are planning all sort of things to do before I go.
“We need to spend the last few weeks more intensive with you, Meeta!”
Aww shucks girls! Don’t make it harder than it already is! My chicas are the best and I am really going to miss them!
Today, I packed up my photo studio. All my props, colored papers, fancy napkins, lights, bounce and other items. I had to laugh though because it was exactly one year ago that Tom and Soeren surprised me with this wonderful gift for my birthday. My own photo studio. Tomorrow it’s my birthday again and I will be clearing up the last traces of my photo studio! Funny how just one year can change so many things.
I do remember my first birthday though. In Bombay and I was the princess and my mum the most gorgeous star.
Instead of cake I decided to celebrate with fruity brownies. Who can resist chocolate and fresh summer fruit. I am a summer girl with a bad chocolate habit and so this is just the thing I need on my day. Come on over and grab a piece!
Chocolate Raspberry & Peach Brownies
Printable version of recipe here.
Ingredients
100g bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
250g fresh raspberries
2 ripe peaches, cut into cubes
5 eggs
80g all-purpose flour
200g sugar
1 vanilla bean, insides scraped
125ml + more oil
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
20g cocoa powder
100g almonds, coarsely chopped
Method
- Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees C. Brush a square springform (20 x 20 cm)with a tiny amount of the oil.
- Melt the chocolate in a water-bath or a double boiler.
- Using an electric whisk, whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla innards and pinch of salt until thick and creamy – about 8-10 minutes. Then incorporate the oil and continue to whisk.
- Mix flour, baking powder and cocoa powder then sieve into the creamy egg mixture. Add the almonds and melted chocolate, then gently beat into a homogeneous mixture.
- Pour the batter into the springform and spread out the raspberries and peach cubes over the batter.
- Bake in the oven for approx. 25-30 minutes on the middle rack. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely, then cut into equal squares – 5 x 5 cm.
While these brownies certainly will not last long a quick word – these will keep only 3-4 days due to the fruit. Store in air-tight containers, preferably in the fridge to keep them as fresh as possible.
Verdict
These will put a smile on anyone’s face lucky enough to get their hands on these fruit filled chocolate brownies. For me they will ease some of that parting pain. The fruit keeps the brownies lusciously moist and the mix between the tart raspberries and sweet peaches against the bittersweet richness of the chocolate is pure bliss.
Someone special to me did make me a birthday cake though. The perfect one just for me – it’s pink, girly and a lot of fun. Ivonne I love you for the special gift!
You might like these brownies from WFLH:
Chocolate Mocca Brownies | Classic Brownies | White Chocolate Raspberry Brownies |
All photographs and written content on What's For Lunch, Honey? © 2006-2009 Meeta Khurana unless otherwise indicated. | All rights reserved | Please Ask First
Meeta, Happy Birthday to you! Such a sweet post & such a sweet baby picture.
ReplyDeleteLove the fruity brownies, I like fruit & nut better than any gooey chocolate .. anytime.
I took at good look at the studio & read the post:-) Since last august ever since I started blogging, yours have been once blog among few that i have been following, reading every single post... your recipes, your pictures are all work of art & i admire it so much. such an inspiration... Looking forward to more wonders when u settle down in your new place & unpack your studio! So long Good Luck with the move.
First and foremost, wish you many many returns of the day :) Enjoy your day and have fun! And wanted to say, you look so much like your mom. Shez looking gorgeous in the snap!
ReplyDeleteSecondly, your brownies look awesome. Loved the combination of chocolate, raspberry and peach. Guess it would taste great!
Have a great day:)
Ramya
what an amazing brownie. surely very particular and interesting. Nice way to eat your fruit :)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday hope you have a nice day :)
Happy Birthday Meeta!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great day and enjoy the time you have left in Germany. Good luck with the move!
Amanda xx
happy birthday! I love chocolate and raspberry together! Yum!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday dear Meeta. I can imagine how difficult it must be for you to leave your loved ones but you are so lucky to have such good friends.
ReplyDeleteI must say, these are some of the most delicious brownies I have ever seen. I've been experimenting with dried fruits in baked goods and have been most satisfied with the results. These are a must try! I think I would include some dried cranberries too.
All the best to you and I am sure you will be happy in your new home!
Big hugs,
Lisa
Happy Birthday Meeta! Things do change pretty fast, time seems to have a mind of its own. But I hope the next 6 weeks are some of the best you'll have, girlfrnds rock!
ReplyDeleteYou look so much like your mom now Meeta! The two of you look fabulous. Hugs.
No, I am not going to say a word abt those decadent brownies :(
Happy Birthday meeta! What a sweet and cute looking baby!
ReplyDeleteThose Brownies must taste heavenly!
Cheers,
Rosa
Happy Birthday Meeta !
ReplyDeleteI can imagine how tough it must be to leave all your wonderful friends behind, secretly knowing that you may never see them again..Wonderful post!
Hope to hear from you from Quatar!
Happy birthday, Meeta!! :)
ReplyDeletexoxoxoxoxoxxo
You look just like ur mom! :) Happy bday once again. Love the brownies and have a safe transition
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Meeta! All the best! Cherish the next 6 weeks and enjoy it as much as you can...and keep baking those gorgeous fruity/chocolate brownies!
ReplyDeleteVery Happy Birthday, Meeta! And all the best wishes to you!
ReplyDeleteYour brownies are perfectly fudgy!!
Happy Bday Meeta :) The brownies look gorgeous, like your mom in that pic :)
ReplyDeleteJust a question, what oil did you use in the recipe?
oh dear. can i please have a bite?? they look so amazingly delicious. happy birthday to you!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Meeta! These brownies look excellent...I love how fruit in brownies makes them unbelievably moist! Enjoy your weeks in Germany and collect more memories to take with you!
ReplyDeleteI love the photo of you and your mom! You are such a cutie :) And you mom looks like a movie star!
Happy birthday! I remember when you got your wonderful studio for your birthday last year -- hard to imagine a year has passed, and one filled with so much excitement and change for you. Enjoy your time with your girlfriends; those will be special memories.
ReplyDeletehave a happy and wonderful birthday meeta.... your mom looks super glam.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you,Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthdat dear Meeta !!,Happy Birthday to you.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Sreelu
Many many happy returns of the day........Nice way to celebrate your b'day.....Hmm your were a cute chubby baby.....brownies looks superb.....
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Meeta...U look so adorable and cute in that pic...brownies look mouth watering..love the fruity flavors!!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to you Meeta.
ReplyDeleteLoved you pic with your mom.
And looks loke you do have a wonderful bunch of girlfriends there.
And about the brownies, today morning at breakfast i told hubby and daughter tha ti am going for a diet as i have put on some ( more) kilos.
And now i come here you are tempting me with these delicous moist looking brownies.
Enjoy the 6 week in Wiemar.
Your mom does look like a star :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Meeta... two years ago, I sent you brownies for your birthday Mingle. I just about knew you then... time does fly :)
Hugs
wishing you a wonderful birthday and many many more to come...with a lot of friends around you both old and the new ones you will make....
ReplyDeletesome how my eyes moistened up reading ur post....it touched a cord somewhere deep down with all the moving around i have been doing since childhood and trying the most with limited success to keep up with friends
hoping you manage to keep up with ur friends thru skype and facebook and internet and other communications there are around
Hi Meeta, Wishing you a Very Happy Birthday, a wonderful day and a great year ahead !!.
ReplyDeleteAll the very best with the move.
Wish u a very happy birthday meeta :)
ReplyDeletesuch a cute pic of ur mom n u :)
ur mom looks beautiful!!!
Meeta!! Happy Birthday to you my lovely sweet friend! They look stunningly delish and I wish I were standing in your kitchen eating one with you and helping you to pack (there's always that point when you're packing when it seems like you won't get to the end of it because it looks like you're not making any progress). Well since it's your birthday I might get in the kitchen and make you something too, Ivonne can't have all the fun! Lots of love, Hilda.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY :-)
ReplyDeleteYour childhood picture is absolutely adorable. You really were the princess.
I lovve the addition of fruits to brownies. So easy right, yet I would never have thought of it. Thanks a lot :D
Many many happy returns of the day dear Meeta. Enjoy and have lots of fun with your girls frinds and loved ones around and make most of these 6 weeks. (i am sure u will:)
ReplyDeleteAnd what a beautiful pic of little u and ur momma. girl, u look so much like ur mother now :)
Warm wishes for your birthday and also a delightful life in Doha.The brownies are outrageous.Thanks for sharing your life with us.Good luck with the move
ReplyDeleteA very Happy Birthday to you, Meeta. I would prefer these gorgeous chocolate brownies any day too.
ReplyDeleteHope you have great year in your new place.
happy birthday!!! haha. i love fruits and i love chocolate! yays:)
ReplyDeleteHi Meeta, Happy Birthday to you! Hope you have many more fun birthdays..
ReplyDeleteAnu
Happy Birthday Meeta...what a wonderful treat to celebrate the day...the brownie looks heavenly, wonderful combination of flavors.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Meeta. Nice brownies, surely very tasty... sure I'll try!
ReplyDeleteHappy Happy Days Meeta!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm needing chocolate.
Happy birthday, Meeta!! I guess it's pretty fitting that you used bittersweet chocolate in making the brownies. I can see how this is a bittersweet time for you. Wish you all the best with the move and enjoy this time to the max!
ReplyDeletei love your yummy blog..and a belated birthday!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteMay all your dreams continue to come true!
Paz XOXOX
Happy birthday! Love chocolate and fresh raspberry...these are one of my favorite desserts when combined are just heaven. You have very pictures.
ReplyDeleteAdding fresh raspberries and peaches to brownies is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteoh my! thank you all so much for the wonderful wishes! means a lot and glad you are all liking the brownies. enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY,MEETA!!!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck to ALL of u!!
And those brownies are GORGEOUS!
Happy Birthday Dear Meeta
ReplyDeleteThat baby pic was so cute and your Mom is gorgeous :)
Happy birthday, dear Meeta!! :) forget about missing them, after 6 weeks. Here you are now with your friends, enjoy every last minute of it - make a million memories and box them all to take with you to Doha.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Meeta!
ReplyDeleteYou are such a kind and wonderful person, I am sure you will be the most popular person in your new home as soon as you get there, but I do understand, the parting is hard.
What a cutie you were as a little one, and your mother a stunner! I see the resemblance between you.
A very Happy Birthday to you, dear Meeta! Good friends are forever!
ReplyDeleteHappy Bday Meeta, I sure will miss your blog during your post!! Hope you get back to it better than ever sooner!!!
ReplyDeleteSorry I meant to say miss your blog during your move!Blimey this is what happens when you come in to work at 6:15AM
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Meeta!
ReplyDeleteI hope your move to Qatar is smooth and Soeren settles in well. I will defintely look forward to sumptous posts from there!
Happy Birthday Meeta. Hope your stay in Doha will be fantastic and next year at your birthday you will not have to think back... It's always sad to leave your relatives and friends... The brownies look delicious.
ReplyDeleteLovely picture of you as a girl. And now I understand about the lemons. It really is so hard to leave I am sure. Good luck with your move.
ReplyDeleteAwe, look at you as a little girl...too cute.
ReplyDeleteAnd yum. I have never had a peach in a brownie, but is looks good.
These brownies look absolutely scrumptious!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday !
ReplyDeleteThe brownies look great, as does the picture. Good luck with your move.
Happy Birthday! Your brownies look amazing. I love raspberry and chocolate together.
ReplyDeleteMany many happy returns of the day girl!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy all the love that you deserve,great pic n ur mom looks gorgeous! :)
Meeta, you must have tons of things taking care of now, hope you have a stress-free relocation. This brownies is a gorgeous one, look forward to many more! take care!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday Meeta! I hope it was a great one, despite the busy time you are in right now!
ReplyDeleteI was just reading your previous post. Congrats to Tom and Happy Tides for the next chapter of your lives in Doha.
ReplyDeleteLeaving a place behind is so difficult. I can imagine what you are going through. Best of luck for your move! Oops.. Happy Birthday:)
ReplyDeleteHi Meeta,
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and am enjoying it tremendously. Thanks for the lovely photos (just striking), delicious recipes and sharing your life with us. Keep up the great work and best of luck!
Nancy
I've been wondering how close you ar to moving -- how exciting and sad all at the same time. Such lovely friends you have. And Happy Birthday to you. Your fruity brownies sound quite delicious!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to have found your blog. So many wonderful recipes. I love the idea of fruity brownies. I hope you won't mind me filching the recipe. Oh and Happy happy birthday. I hope you carry on with this blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this recipe...I came across your blog when searching for a peach brownie recipe. If you ever get a chance to visit mine, let me know!
ReplyDelete