::apricot & chocolate treats, coffee treats::

Today was a beautiful day in Seattle! It's been a long time since I've had to pull the blinds down at my desk because of the afternoon sun. Here's what I got to look out at today:


Yup, I get to look out on the sound AND Pike Place Market, everyday!

Last night I got a burst of energy (very unusual for me halfway through the week) and decided to make a few batches of treats that I'd been excited to try out.

My friend Antje is getting married this summer and her save-the-dates gave me the inspiration for this treat: apricot and chocolate treats!

The light fruity flavor of the apricots reminds me that spring is on the way -- as did today's sunny afternoon -- and the sweetness of the fruit was balanced nicely by the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips I added. The chocolate softened gently from the heat of the melted marshmallows and butter and gave the treats a dark, romantic look and taste. I decided to pack up some of the treats and take them to Antje since she sort of sparked the idea.

A few months ago I attempted a coffee treat. I also added some cocoa powder to that batch, but found that it was completely masked by the strong coffee. As a coffee lover, I found these absolutely delicious anyway, but Eric and I both agreed they were missing something. I decided to try again last night and added a stronger chocolate element -- my leftover mini chocolate chips. These treats look similar to the apricot ones because of the swirl of the chocolate, but they couldn't taste more different. I really enjoy the grown-up flavor of the coffee, especially since it is so unexpected to find in a childhood favorite. And besides, this is Seattle after all :)