It is actually snowing in Colorado.  Enough to actually count it.  It is still by far not a big storm, but with the winter we have had it counts.  My poor kids were so excited last night; they had really hoped for a snow day today.  Much to their dismay they are heading to school this morning.  They got up this morning and started to play and count on it, until “mean mom” looked up the schools online to see that all schools are operating on a normal schedule.  {Those may be some of the saddest words for kids to hear.}   We live in Colorado, so it is not crazy for them to assume that once a year at least they will get a day off of school because of snow.  It just doesn’t seem to be in the cards for them this winter.

However, there is a couple of inches, enough, for my little kindergartener to use the sled he saved his allowance for.  He caught a lucky break this year, sleds went on clearance early due to the lack of snow this season.  He had his eye on a fancy sled promising to be fast, but was always out of reach.  This kid is not a saver, he can’t stand to have a quarter in his wallet.  Any money he gets is spent immediately on the first opportunity that presents himself.  So for Mr. C to save and have $10 was HUGE!!  So, on a regular trip to Target, because let’s face it that is a regular occurrence, there it was on clearance for just under $10.  Yes, it took every penny he had, but he was thrilled to purchase the sled he had looked at in the store so many times.  So school may not have been cancelled but there is enough snow to finally use the sled when he gets home from morning kindergarten.  {The sled was purchased a month ago and the poor kid has yet to use it.}

What could be better than a happy ending for a 6 year old?  It depends on your point of view, but really CHOCOLATE is always a happy ending to any day!  And what, you ask could be better than a loaf of chocolate? How about double the chocolate. I am giving you a delicious and moist DOUBLE CHOCOLATE LOAF. It is a lucky day for everyone, whether you get to use your fancy new sled for the first time or not.  It makes for one easy and simple dessert.

Double Chocolate Loaf

Ingredients:

3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup Dutch cocoa powder , sifted
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour , plus more for dusting
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a loaf pan (9 x 5) and set aside.

Place brown sugar in the bowl of an electric  mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Press out any lumps with the back of a  large spoon. Add cocoa, flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and  salt.

In a separate bowl, add eggs, egg yolks, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla; whisk until combined.

Turn mixer  to low and pour in egg-buttermilk mixture in a thin steady stream, mixing just  until combined. Scrap down sides.  Add dark chocolate chips and mix in.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the center of  oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of loaf comes out  clean.

Let cool in pan for 15 minutes; remove and place on rack to cool  completely. Serve plain or toasted.  Delicious topping ideas-berries, whipped cream or peanut butter.  {I honestly, have not tried it with peanut butter, but I am thinking that a peanut butter sandwich made using chocolate bread has got to be good.  The idea sounds so delicious I may just have to make another Double Chocolate Loaf to give it a try.}

*Recipe slightly adapted from From the February 2009 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine.