Like many of their acolytes, I have long sung the praises of Trader Joe’s. It was one of the first markets to make food shopping fun with their shipwreck style and clever & educational marketing. A few years ago, I discovered Trader Joe’s Brownie Truffle Baking Mix. And let me say, these are the best damn brownies that can be had in a mix. The brownies are deep, rich and chock full of little chocolate bits, giving me both crunchy and smooth textures in each bite. If I want to get really fancy, I’ll shake a little confectioner’s sugar through a tea strainer to create a snowy dusting on top.

The brownies are simple to make, just add butter and eggs. Every time we serve them at a party, they are gobbled up immediately. I’ve tried other mixes but they were often too cakey or too processed tasting.

While I’m immensely enjoying this trip down chocolate memory lane (we’ll end at #14 on Valentine’s Day), I want to honor those bloggers who focus on writing about sweets regularly. Today, we’ll start with Chocolate and Zucchini, a matriach of food blogging.

This is one of the longest-running and most famous food blogs. Started in Sept. 2003 by young Parisian Clotilde Dusoulier, it celebrates her passion for beautiful fresh food and fabulous baked goods. Along the way, Clotilde  has published two books, Chocolate and Zucchini and Clotilde’s Edible Adventures in Paris. Check out her blog and this oldie but goodie post for chocolate nib cookies.