You Heard Me, It's a Belgian Chocolate Giveaway!

Though I haven't actually filled it out myself, the creepy snoop in me loves perusing through the "info" section of people's Facebook profiles.  The other day, I came across a friend who I hadn't spoken to in probably 20 years.  If you haven't spoken to someone in that long, are they still considered a friend?  In any case, she listed a "things I love" section which really made me smile and wonder what I'd put on my own list.

...white wine in the summer, hot chocolate in the winter...wagging doggie tails and running to the dog park...laughing until my stomach hurts...girls weekends and slow weekends with hubby.  giggling babies... ice cream and cake.  Cake and chocolate. ...Chocolate.



My very unscientific hypothesis states that a majority of you ladies and gentlemen may put chocolate right up there on your list as well.  And if chocolate makes you happy, it's chocolate that I'll give you! Details on the Guylian Belgian Chocolates giveaway at the end of this post.

Meanwhile, I have a great non-chocolate dessert recipe to share.  I'm aiming for sugar overload here, folks.


Confession time: I have never made any type of fruit pie...not cherry pie, not apple pie, not even the God of all pies: key lime pie.   Something about making homemade pie crust and pastries just thoroughly intimidates me.  Add it to the cooking bucket list, I suppose.  Well, if you're like me and love apple pie but are also dreadfully lazy, this quick bread recipe just might fit the bill.  It's filled with the good things in life - cinnamon, gooey apples and a nice nutty crunch without all the hassle.  If you have a great apple pie recipe that is delicious and not too time consuming to make, please send my way!


Apple Pie Bread
3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons apple pie spice
4 eggs, beaten
1 21 oz can apple pie filling
1 cup apple sauce
3/4 cup packed brown sugar (divided)
2/3 cup canola oil
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour two loaf pans.

1. In a large bowl combine flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and apple pie spice.  In a separate bowl, combine eggs, apple pie filling, apple sauce, 1/2 c. brown sugar and canola oil.  Add egg mixture slowly to eggs, stirring until just combined.

2. Divide batter evenly among pans.  Top each loaf with remaining brown sugar and almonds.

3.  Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Cool in pans on a wire rack.

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And now on to the good stuff.  The fine folks at Guylian Chocolates have graciously offered to send one of my awesome readers a Valentine's gift basket of chocolates. They sent me some chocolates to sample, and I must tell you that this stuff is divine.  Just think about this...chocolate seashells with milk, dark and white Belgian Chocolate filled with rich, decadent creamy chocolate praline truffle. um,YEA. Seriously.  If you don't have a Valentine's day gift yet, here's your chance.  Or...if you're selfish like me, you can just keep the chocolates to yourself :)



Giveaway: Guylian Belgian Chocolates!

Starts today and ends Friday, February 11 at midnight (EST). Winner will be chosen at random through random.org

To enter into the giveaway:
Leave a comment letting me know what truly makes you happy or list your favorite chocolate dessert

Additional Entries can be earned by:
1. Tweeting about this post: Guylian Belgian Chocolate Giveaway http://bit.ly/gdVimS @newlywedcook Please RT!

2. Follow @newlywedcook on Twitter, then come back to this page and leave a separate comment telling me you did so. (if you already follow, let me know, that counts!)

3.  Share a link to this post via Facebook or email and leave a separate comment telling me you did so.