When I landed in New York City last week, my
first stop was Fat
Witch Bakery in Chelsea Market. Fat Witch brownies are quite possibly the
most delicious brownies in the country. Rich, buttery, and just sweet enough, I
love the original Fat Witch (with or without walnuts) and the Java Witch (with cappuccino
chocolate chips), although I won't turn down a Blonde Witch (a cross between a chocolate chip cookie and a brownie),
Snow Witch (white chocolate), Red Witch (with dried cherries), or a Caramel
Witch. I had a healthy addiction to their brownies while I lived in New York, and once I
moved, I made do with their mail order. But owner Patricia Helding has
finally parted with the recipe — through a mix. Three
mixes are available from their Web site; choose from Original Witch, Snow Witch,
or Blonde Witch ($8.99 per box). Bake up a batch (they work perfectly, just play around with the baking time depending on your oven).

And if you're in New York City don't miss Chelsea Market, an indoor food market in the Chelsea neighborhood where you'll find everything from fresh seafood from The Lobster Place and fresh-baked bread at Amy's Bread to the must-see wine store Chelsea Wine Vault, a fabulous authentic Italian market Buon Italia, and some tasty cupcakes and cookies at Eleni's.