Whereas living in England always felt temporary—even though it lasted for over 19 years—moving to Barcelona was different. Firstly, it was a dream come true. Secondly, I think it feels right to “settle down” now, and Josep and I agree that we will (probably) live here for the rest of our lives. I also have a strong wish to integrate myself here, for example by learning the Catalan language and culture.

All in all, therefore, I consider 14 March as a significant date in my personal calendar, perhaps more important than my birthday, and definitely worthy of an annual celebration.

So… To mark the occasion this year I brought a batch of home-made brownies to work last Thursday! This was a very popular move, and many people asked me for the recipe, so I am going to include it here:

Brownies

A slightly adapted version of Nigella Lawson’s recipe in her excellent book How to be a Domestic Goddess

1. Start heating the oven to 180°C.
2. Find a tin approximately 22cm square and line the bottom and sides with baking paper.
3. Melt 250g butter and 250g dark chocolate (I prefer Lindt’s 85%) together in a saucepan on a low heat.
4. Beat 4 large eggs, 330g sugar and 2ts vanilla essence together in a bowl.
5. Measure 150g flour and mix with ½ ts salt.
6. When the chocolate has cooled slightly, stir in first the eggs, then the flour, and finally 200g whole walnuts.
7. Pour it into the tin and bake for about 25 minutes, testing with a pin, until it starts to get dry (but is still a little moist) in the centre.
8. Let it cool in the tin.