18Apr2025
Today is a public holiday—Good Friday. A day to pause, reflect, and for me, to bake for loved ones and make someone smile. It’s been almost two years since I last baked, but today feels like the perfect time to dust off the baking tins and bring joy to my family in the form of bittersweet chocolate.
Our family has a love for all chocolate and cocoa things. Dark chocolate, chocolate desserts, and especially bittersweet brownies are our collective weakness. There was a bakery nearby that made the most incredible bittersweet brownies, the kind that felt like a warm hug with every bite. But sadly, the bakery moved away, leaving us yearning for that perfect bittersweet blend.
So today, with the aroma of cocoa swirling around the kitchen, I’m taking matters into my own hands—not just for nostalgia’s sake, but to make my husband smile. He loves brownies, and there's something magical about how the simple act of sharing chocolatey treats can spark joy in him. It's a small, sweet reminder of how food brings us together.
But as I measure the cocoa and melt the butter, I find myself reflecting on the deeper meaning of this day. Have you ever wondered why Good Friday is called "good"? It’s a question I used to ask myself too. How could a day marked by suffering hold such profound hope?
One day, I came to understand. Good Friday is "good" because it’s about unconditional love of God —the kind of love that changes everything. On this day 2000 years ago, Jesus, the Son of God, gave His life on the cross for all of us. It wasn’t just an act of sacrifice; it was a declaration of love. A love that says, "You matter." A love that opens the door to eternal life for everyone who believes. Imagine you stand at the bottom of that cross, at that place where Jesus was crucified and hung there suffering and saying this to you "You matter. I've you in my mind because you matter. Because I love you and I want you to be with me in my Father's house..."
"For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16, CSBV).
So, as I bake today, I hold onto this bittersweet truth. Just like the perfect brownie—bitter and sweet at once—Good Friday reminds us of both the sorrow of sacrifice and the sweetness of God's grace. And that’s why it’s good. It reminds me that I no longer walk this journey alone; my Jesus, who loves me deeply, is with me always.
This time, I decided to experiment a little with the recipe. Last week’s brownies turned out a touch too sweet, lacking the rich bitterness we love. So, I adjusted. Perhaps that’s fitting, too—life is about trial and error, learning, and adapting along the way. And just as baking requires a balance of flavors, life holds its own blend of bitter moments and sweet blessings.
In this world, troubles are inevitable, and life is rarely smooth sailing. Yet, I find comfort in knowing that Jesus is always there to hold my hand, especially when the journey feels tough. You see, when we hold someone’s hand for too long, we can grow tired. But God never tires. When He holds your hand, He holds it firmly and never lets go. His grip is steadfast, unshaken. Let Him hold your hand and walk with you through life’s trials and triumphs—His love is your anchor on this earthly journey. He will hold me fast! He will hold you fast too if you let Him...
I love this song by Keith & Kristyn Getty "He will hold me fast":
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
Through life's fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Saviour loves me so
He will hold me fast
Ingredients
A-Ingredients
50g all-purpose flour
60g unsweetened cocoa powder
10g ground almond
1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
B-Ingredients
2 eggs
50g sugar
100g melted butter (salted)
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Optional Ingredients
4 or 5 whole walnuts, then chop
2 tablespoon chocolate chips
Method:
1. Preheat oven 180 degrees
2. Prepare a baking tin. I used a 10cmx20cmx5cm baking tin lay with parchment paper.
3. B-Ingredients -Beat eggs with sugar till combined. Add in melted butter & vanilla and mix them well.
4. Sift A-Ingredients and add into pt3. Combine them well but not over stir.
5. Stir in Option-ingredients and then pour mixture in the baking tin.
6. Bake in oven for 20 to 25 min, when skewer check come out dry & clean. (As it is a small & quite a mini bake, to conserve energy, I used my toaster oven instead. Baked for 20min)
7. After it's done, remove from oven and let it cool on kitchen. Cut & serve with ice-cream(optional)
Notes: I like bittersweet brownies; this version is very less sweet than usual. Also, I have used low GI sugar to manage glucose. I had reduced lots of sugar. You may increase the sugar to 60 or 70g. Adjust according to your taste.
The baking methods and ingredients above are tailored to suit my personal taste. While I am not a professional baker, I have a deep passion for baking. This creation is made with love for my family, and I’m excited to share my baking journey and recipes with you. I hope they inspire you to bake something special and bring a smile to someone’s face as well.😊
If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d love to hear your feedback! Your kind comments and encouragement will inspire me to continue baking and sharing more of my culinary adventures.
Disclaimer: The recipes and baking methods shared here are based on my personal preferences and experiences as a home baker. I am not a professional, and the results may vary depending on individual techniques, equipment, and ingredients. Please use this recipe as a guide and adapt it as needed. Feedback is always welcome, but please keep in mind that this is a journey of passion and creativity rather than expertise.
This is photo taken just before it enters the oven.
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