It is, really. It’s hailing like crazy while I’m writing this and I can hear thunder in the distance. And the wind is so loud. I’m sad about all the cherry blossoms I can see flying through the air, a little worried about the very delicate chard plants that went into the garden last week and very glad that Mishka and I already went running today.
I get to sit back and enjoy the storm. And the cookies that go with it.
Double Chocolate Globs are my all-time favorite chocolate cookie. These little monsters are so rich that they’re really more of brownie – only they have a much longer shelf life than any brownie I’ve ever had – which means they are pretty easy to have on hand for a suddenly stormy afternoon.
After complaining so much about the weather this winter, I’m happy to report that things have taken a turn for the better here in Boise. Suddenly everything is green, flowers are blooming, and I have sunburn from hiking in the hills all weekend. In other words, right now I have just the right attitude to appreciate a little bad weather.
I love storms – I think it comes from growing up in a climate where we don’t really have them very often. Yes, it rains a lot in the Pacific Northwest, but it tends to be a constant grey drizzle. The drama of thunder is a very rare thing. Something I like to sit back and appreciate with a strong cup of coffee, and a good dose of the darkest chocolate I can find. It’s a ritual that reminds me to appreciate the strength of nature – and be grateful for any safe, cozy spot.
These cookies originated at a bakery in Boston where I once worked. At Rosie’s Soho Globes were (and maybe still are), a huge cookie, at least 3 inches in diameter. I’ve altered the recipe significantly over the years, reducing the sweetness and increasing the density of the chocolate. And I’ve added just enough salt to give the cookie some extra brightness. I make them small. One glob, like a good storm, (and any sentence describing weather) goes a long way.
*“It was a dark and stormy night;the rain fell in torrents–except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness.” —Edward George Bulwer-Lytton, Paul Clifford (1830)
Eat Drink Man Woman Dogs Cat 
Posted by Lissa on May 6, 2011 at 10:40 pm
The quote makes me think of the worst first paragraph contest. I think we all wrote one one in English and someone had one that began with “It was a dark and stormy night..” I think I may try these this weekend, if I can find the ingredients in my home. Have you ever tried them without nuts and espresso? Does it change them much or is there any alterations to help compensate for the lack of nuts or liquid?
My first spring with a baby, lightning hit an giant tree a block away. It sounded like a bomb or plane crash! I enjoy the drama of a good lightning and thunder storm, especially if you can see it.
Posted by Lynn on May 7, 2011 at 8:13 am
Hey Lissa,
That’s exactly what I was thinking of. ; – )I think some of my writing now could really compete in the contest.
I think the cookies will do fine without the espresso and nuts. They probably would need a less time in the fridge to set up before you bake. Let me know if you like them!