Another Fine Mess

There is a tradition that lives in the kitchens among the women in my family, and it is known as "the lid drawer". This is where the tops of containers, lids of long-tossed jars and tubs, are stored for that one day when a suitable top is needed for a specific whatchamacallit and then *poof* the perfect lid.

I am the dark sheep in my family - act surprised - as I have no such drawer. Instead I have something far more useful. The contents of what WOULD be my "lid drawer" also suit lots of purposes, comes in handy for everyday uses and in an emergency? Oh heck - it's practically MADE for emergencies.

Behold - the chocolate box.

(Cue the choir of angelic voices ...)

This container of empty but oh so satisfying calories lives in the top shelf of my pantry. One would think it would be too tempting to just let it sit and live up there ... but honestly, it's fine. I know when I get onto my tiptoes and stretch all the way out that to get my fingertips to walk the bottom of the box to the edge of the shelf, and as it starts to tip over the top of my head that either (1) I'll miss and comedy will ensue or (2) good tasty things will occur. Or, at least the attempt to good tasty things. The goal is always (2), but sometimes I get the bonus of (1) as well.

In any event, the chocolate box was opened with the intent to make some magic for myself, for my work friends, for my coffee shop buds, but especially for my guy who, for reasons I can't quite put my finger on, I just think needs to be reminded that he's special and fabulous. Because he is special and fabulous.

As you know, I made these yesterday.

Oh sorry - too far away? Ok here. I made these yesterday. Lots and lots of these. In fact, I made a hundred of 'em
and then I grabbed some white chocolate from the box (not the morsels shown but other stuff that was further down), melted it down, and got to work. With no real pattern, I just let things fall where they may. The result was this

which, in my hand, looks like this.

I will point out that the boyfriend wasn't a huge fan of this look ... which was alright because I had more changes in store. Next I grabbed the bittersweet morsels, melted those down and, throwing all caution to the wind, I did this

I was concerned at first because, though the kitchen was not warm at all, the second "explosion" of chocolate was not setting up. A few minutes in a refrigerator did the trick and they look like the fine mess that I intended to makeand oh what a fine mess they are. In fact, having made enough adjustments to both pre- and post-baking the original recipe, I have no qualms in renaming these "Gracie's Fine Mess Cookies". Share them with someone special and fabulous today. I know that I intend to do so ...