Passion and food, two great things that go together. And of course it's February, so this is a great month to talk about one of my favorite subjects: Cooking with a loving intention. Do you remember something your grandma used to make that you always looked forward to and even the memory of it makes you feel good?
   Maybe it was Sunday dinner or a warm apple pie from the oven. My husband remembers spending time with his grandparents and enjoying all the great pot roast dinners his grandma used to make. Just telling me about them still makes him smile. This is how I describe what it is to cook with loving intention. From my own experiences, I always loved my dad's cooking. As soon as we sat down to eat one if his famous home-made ravioli dinners, I could taste the heart and soul he had put into preparing it.
   At a time when we are busy, on the go, working as much as we can to make sure the bills are paid, the kids are fed and clothed, it can be really difficult to make a meal with a smile and love in your heart. Think of it this way, it's really about the energy we are putting into the cooking. Maybe you've just come home for a long day (or a bad day) at work, or you're still frustrated at the traffic on the way home, but you can turn it around by using positive energy while you cook dinner. Even if it's macaroni and cheese or a sandwich.
Think before you cook   As you start to move around your kitchen, think about what it is you are going to cook and who you are cooking for. As you stand at the stove, feel your feet planted firmly beneath you. I find that just the act of chopping vegetables, stirring them in the pot and enjoying the aroma of the food cooking is enough to help me re-set and put some positive energy into my meal. And as you serve supper, you'll realize how much clearer your mind is and how great the meal will taste when you sit down to enjoy it.
  Like many families in Michigan we have been affected by the difficult economic situation. As simple as it may seem, cooking for us, with a loving intention has resulted in a way to let go of the stress we are feeling and see the things that are positive in our lives right now. We are able to set aside our worries, even if just for a meal and enjoy our time with our nine-month old daughter, listening to her yum-yum sounds as she happily eats the pears, peas, and chicken we have lovingly prepared for her. It dawns on me as I write this, that this also has a positive effect on our sweet girl. She learns to enjoy great food and also see her parents as they really are, able to let go of stress and be there with her as she grows. What a great investment!
   I always include a healthy recipe, but, since Valentine's Day is coming up soon, I figured something on the sinful and irresistible was more befitting of the holiday. This is a favorite in our house. I got this recipe from a promotional envelope with free recipes. It turned out to be a gem! This recipe is a great way to try your hand at cooking with positive intention. I know you will enjoy it!

Decadent Chocolate Brownie Torte
For Torte:
Ingredients
1/2 Cup butter
1/2 Cup light corn syrup
1 Cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 Cup granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 Cup all-purpose flour
1 Cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For Glaze:
1/2 Cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp light corn syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
1. Combine chocolate chips, butter and syrup in pan and stir over low heat until chocolate is melted.

Directions:
1. Grease and flour a 9-inch or 8-inch round cake pan. Preheat oven to 350F
2. In a saucepan, on low heat, melt the butter and corn syrup. Stir in the chocolate chips until melted.
Make sure to use low heat so as not to scorch the chocolate.
3. Whisk in the sugar and then the eggs one at a time. When whisking in the eggs, whisk rapidly so that the eggs don't scramble in the warm chocolate mixture. Sitr in the vanilla.
4. Fold in the flour carefully until just blended. Slowly fold in the nuts as well.
5. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until the center springs back when touched.
6. Cool in pan for about ten minutes and turn over onto serving platter.
7. Pour slightly warm glaze over the center of the torte and slowly frost the top and allow to drip down the sides.
8. Garnish with sliced strawberries or raspberries or for a little extra decadence, a dollop of whipped cream.

Makes 8 servings.

Lola Kern is a Consultant for Internal Energy Plus. If you have a challenging relationship with food or simply want to learn more about cooking with positive energy, email her at lkern@iepcorporate.com. To learn more about IEP's programs and products, log onto our website at www.InternalEnergyPlus.com . Or join our Yahoo Group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/INTERNAL_ENERGY_PLUS/