Dessert for Two: Master Small Batch Baking & Indulge in the Ultimate Warm Brownie Sundae
In a world often geared towards large family meals and celebratory feasts, the art of baking for two can feel like a lost skill. Yet, for couples seeking a special date night dessert, singles craving a perfectly portioned sweet treat, or small households aiming to reduce food waste, a dedicated resource for small batch desserts is invaluable. If you find yourself on a perpetual quest for just the right amount of sweetness without the excess, look no further than Christina Lane’s indispensable cookbook: Dessert for Two: Small Batch Cookies, Brownies, Pies and Cakes.
This culinary gem, crafted by Christina Lane, a renowned expert in downsizing sweet treats, offers an exciting solution to the dilemma of baking for smaller appetites. No longer do you need to halve elaborate recipes or contend with mountains of leftovers. Lane’s approach is both practical and inventive, making baking a joyful, intimate experience rather than a daunting task. Her book caters specifically to those who appreciate fresh, homemade desserts but prefer modest quantities, ensuring every bite is savored and nothing goes to waste. It’s the perfect companion for anyone who loves baking but lives in a smaller household, providing delightful recipes without the overwhelm of traditional large-format baking.
The Ingenuity of Small Batch Baking: What Makes This Cookbook Shine
What truly sets Dessert for Two apart is Christina Lane’s ingenious adaptations of classic dessert recipes. She transforms traditionally large-scale confections into charming, manageable portions. Imagine cookie recipes that yield a sensible dozen, eliminating the temptation (or necessity) to eat three dozen yourself. Her pies are delightfully crafted in muffin pans, creating individual servings that are as adorable as they are delicious. Bar cookies find their perfect home in loaf pans, yielding just a few slices of rich, chewy goodness. Perhaps most charming are the tarts, ingeniously made using jar lids – a creative touch so visually appealing that it earned a spot on the cookbook’s cover!
The book’s repertoire extends far beyond the basics, offering a diverse array of tantalizing easy dessert recipes for two. You’ll discover unique titles that promise both comfort and innovation, such as the delightful Berry Minnie Cheesecakes, a miniature twist on a creamy classic; the surprisingly sophisticated Apple Pie Moonshine Tiramisu, blending spirited flavors with Italian elegance; and the bright, zesty Lemon Meringue Cookies, offering a burst of citrus in every bite. For a truly personal touch, explore the Personal Upside Down Pineapple Cakes, perfect for individual indulgence, or the adventurous Chocolate Bacon Truffles, a harmonious blend of sweet and savory. These recipes are not just downsized; they are reimagined for optimal flavor and presentation in their smaller forms, ensuring a gourmet experience in every serving.
Featured Indulgence: The Warm Brownie Sundae for Two
Among the many delectable offerings, the dessert we are showcasing today truly stands out: the irresistible Warm Brownie Sundae. This recipe epitomizes the cookbook’s philosophy—making a luxurious treat accessible and perfectly portioned for an intimate moment. It’s an ideal choice for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day or simply to elevate an ordinary evening into something extraordinary. The beauty of this homemade brownie sundae lies in its simplicity and sheer customizability. You can easily tailor it to any palate by selecting your favorite ice cream flavor – be it classic vanilla bean, rich chocolate chip, refreshing mint chip, or something more exotic. Add a drizzle of caramel, hot fudge, or a fresh berry compote, and perhaps a sprinkle of nuts, and you’ve created a personalized masterpiece. The presentation, especially when served directly from a charming small cast-iron skillet, adds an undeniable element of fun and rustic elegance that makes the experience even more memorable.
Speaking of cast iron skillets, this particular recipe provides the perfect excuse to finally acquire one of those adorable 6-inch cast-iron skillets that have been gaining popularity in kitchenware stores everywhere. These mini skillets are not just for show; they offer fantastic heat retention, keeping your brownie warm and gooey for longer, enhancing the delightful contrast with the cold ice cream. Serving your dessert in a personal skillet makes for a stunning presentation and adds a touch of gourmet flair to your romantic desserts at home. It’s a small investment that elevates countless dessert experiences, from brownies to cobblers and crumbles.
The Enduring Appeal of Baking Small Batches
Beyond specific recipes, the broader appeal of small-batch baking, championed by Christina Lane, cannot be overstated. In today’s world, where mindful consumption and reducing waste are increasingly important, creating just enough dessert for your immediate needs is a smart and satisfying practice. It allows for portion control, which is great for maintaining healthy eating habits, and minimizes the risk of overindulgence. Furthermore, small batch desserts mean you can enjoy fresh-baked goods more frequently without feeling overwhelmed by leftovers. It encourages experimentation with new flavors and techniques, as the commitment for a smaller quantity is much less intimidating. It’s baking designed for the modern lifestyle, embracing convenience, freshness, and intimacy.
Whether you’re planning an elaborate Valentine’s menu for two, seeking a comforting treat after a long day, or simply love the idea of freshly baked goods without the bulk, Dessert for Two is an essential addition to your cookbook collection. Christina Lane has truly mastered the art of miniature confections, delivering big flavors in delightful, manageable portions. This book is a testament to the idea that sometimes, less is indeed more, especially when it comes to sweet indulgence.
You can find Christina Lane’s brilliant Dessert for Two cookbook readily available through the Amazon link provided above, as well as at major booksellers like Barnes and Noble. We highly recommend exploring its pages for your next baking adventure. If you discover a new favorite recipe from the book, please don’t hesitate to share your delightful findings with us in the comments!
Recipe
WARM BROWNIE SUNDAE
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (60 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (42 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 grams)
- 2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips (23 grams)
- 1 scoop of your favorite ice cream
- Heavy whipped cream optional
- 1 Maraschino cherry optional
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 325°F, and spray a 6-inch cast-iron skillet (or other ovenproof small skillet) with cooking spray.
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Dice the butter into eight pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle the sugar and cocoa powder on top. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stop, stir, and then microwave for another 30 seconds.
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Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, and stir in the salt and vanilla. Stir for about 30 seconds to cool the mixture. Then, add the egg and stir well.
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Sprinkle the flour on top, and then stir vigorously for fifty strokes, using a wooden spoon. The brownie batter will become thick and glossy. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips.
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Scrape the mixture into the prepared skillet. Bake for 24 to 28 minutes. It’s okay for the brownie to stay a little gooey in the middle.
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Top with the ice cream, whipped cream, and a cherry and serve immediately with two spoons.
Notes
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