Brownies with White Chocolate Chips and Chocolate Drizzle

When my husband and I were in Michigan over the summer revealing our big surprise, we went out on my parent’s boat to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Nugget. While out on the boat, we were so excited to tell my parent’s friends all about our surprise because my husband and I knew that all of them had been so supportive leading up to that point.

When pulling up to their meeting place on the lake, my excitement was bursting at the seams. As their friends walked up to the boat, I began telling them one-by-one. What followed were celebratory screams, enormous hugs, and joyous smiles. We were finally pregnant and we were able to tell so many people who have been incredibly supportive over the years. That day out on the lake was full of excitement and planning. Yes, planning. My Mom’s friends are the absolute best. Why do I say that?

Within minutes of sharing the exciting news with my Mom’s friends, they were already talking about baby shower plans and possible dates. Should we have the baby shower in August? What about September? Where would the baby shower be held? What time of day would be best? Throughout the day, options were discussed and tentative plans were made.

Not only was I revealing the big news, but I was also planning for a baby shower. This was all happening so quickly. I had to take a few deep breaths to take it all in and not become overwhelmed by all of the emotion and excitement.

Fast forward a few months and I’m now sitting here with a soon-to-be nursery full of gifts for baby Nugget. This past weekend, I was truly spoiled by family members and friends thanks to a baby shower that was hosted by my Mom’s friends. On Sunday, family members and friends gathered together in celebration of Nugget and all of the joy that the baby has brought into our lives already, as well as all of the memorable moments that will soon enter our lives.

Family members and friends from near and far arrived with love in their hearts and gifts in their hands. Spending the day catching up, sharing stories about Nugget, eating food prepared by my Mom’s friends, listening to stories about pregnancy and delivery from those who have already been through it, and opening up countless gifts was the perfect way to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Nugget.

Seeing smiles as people looked at my bump, having people touch my bump, and getting photos taken of my bump with family members and friends were highlights of the day. Chatting with family members and friends, some of whom I haven’t seen in years, were moments that just added to the enjoyment of the day. Sharing hugs, providing updates about Nugget, and having people feel the baby kick truly made the day incredibly special.

From stuffed animals to books, blankets to storage bins, play sets to onesies, every item that was given to us was so greatly appreciated and we cannot thank everyone enough for all that they have done to help ease us into babyhood. The love, support, stories, gifs, hugs, words, and smiles throughout the weekend, especially the baby shower, have helped to calm the nerves, embrace the excitement, and provide encouragement.

As we begin putting together the nursery this upcoming weekend, I cannot wait to see everything come together thanks, in a huge part, to all of our family members and friends who have helped along the way. We so greatly appreciate all of the love and continued support as we all look forward to the arrival of Nugget.

Brownies with White Chocolate Chips and Chocolate Drizzle 

Ingredients:

• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 can Hershey’s syrup
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup of flour
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon Hershey’s cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9×13 baking dish by placing parchment paper in the pan.
2. Cream together butter and sugar. 
3. Beat in the syrup, then the eggs, one at a time. Beat in flour gradually. Fold in the white chocolate chips.
4. Pour into the prepared pan.
5. Bake at 350 degress for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool and then drizzle with chocolate icing. How to make the chocolate icing: Mix together the confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and water. Drizzle over the brownies.

What do you love to add into your brownie batter?