Photo: FoodstirsActress Sarah Michelle Gellar and Galit Laibow, an entrepreneur, founded Foodstirs opens in a new tab, a line of organic quick-scratch baking kits and mixes, last year. The kits are available in select Whole Foods Market stores in New York, Northern New Jersey, Southern Connecticut and Southern California. (Check with your store opens in a new tab to confirm availability.)
Foodstirs was initially inspired by our kids and our desire to enhance the quality time we spent together. As children, both Galit and I fondly remembered holidays spent with our families baking, not just for ourselves but to give out as gifts. We know that baking is not only invaluable family time but also greatly benefits children and the development of their fine and gross motor skills, math and science knowledge and vocabulary. As busy parents, we looked in stores for a quick mix to maximize the experience, but were surprised by the iffy ingredients we found on the shelf. Where was the product that spoke to us, the modern shopper? Something made with high-quality ingredients that tasted great? So we created Foodstirs opens in a new tab as the answer.
Photo: FoodstirsAs Galit and I both have school-aged children, one of our favorite things to do is gather all the kids for a baking day to make baked goods to give their teachers as a holiday thank-you. We believe in the value of thoughtful and homemade gifts, and everyone loves to indulge in a good treat. We know that these times spent in the kitchen are the memories our kids will remember just as we do. It’s the time in our busy lives when the phones are put down and honest connections are made. Our mixes and kits have simple steps for the novice baker (no intimidation factor here), and we also offer advanced recipes to take our basic mixes to the next level. We are here to help you #BakeLifeSweet.
In our family, peppermint really embodies the flavor (and smell) of holiday time, so any chance we can incorporate it makes us happy. This recipe is our twist on a holiday classic.
Photo: FoodstirsPeppermint White Mocha Brownies
Prep: 20 minutes
Bake: 20 minutes
Yields: 12 brownies
Ingredients:
Brownies:
1 package Foodstirs Organic Chocolate Lovers Brownie Mix
2 eggs
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled
1 tablespoon instant espresso
1 cup white chocolate chips
Frosting:
Your favorite white frosting
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Garnish: Crushed peppermint candies
Preheat oven to 325°. Spray an 8x8-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray. Whisk eggs in a medium bowl. Add oil and coffee, and whisk until well blended.
In a separate bowl, combine the brownie mix, espresso powder and white chocolate chips. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting.
Stir peppermint extract into frosting. Frost brownies and top with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies.
Sarah and Galit shared their favorite holiday tradition — what’s yours? Snap a picture of your favorite memories and moments and share on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #MyHolidayTradish. Whole Foods Market will be following along and sharing some of them on our holiday website opens in a new tab and in social media.
