Office treats

She says:

Did you know that if you place a candy dish at your desk you are more likely to get a promotion? I know, it sounds hokey, but someone actually did a study and found that the odds are really in your favour. For the cost of a few bags of Werther’s, it’s probably worth it. However, there is a more sure-fire way to create real camaraderie at your office, and that is with homemade treats.

I know… you’re going to tell me that you don’t have time to make treats, especially for a bunch of people with whom you may not feel you have much in common. But trust me on this one it will pay off in spades. I think most of us can attest to the fact that even a box of Timbits will boost everyone’s spirits (not to mention their blood sugar). But if you bring in something homemade, even if it’s Rice Krispie squares, you will impress your co-workers.

I think the research behind the candy dish really had more to do with the fact that it brings people to a common spot and makes them gather. In just the same way that the kitchen becomes the best place at any party, even a small token like a dish of candy can be the spark that lights the fire for kindred spirits. My father used to say that an army marches on its stomach, and it’s true: you can motivate people with food, especially if you do it as a group. I worked with a wonderful lady who did a thing called “Soup-er Saturdays”, bringing in a crock pot and asking people to donate for the Food Bank when they enjoyed a bowlful of her homemade goodness. It always made everyone feel good, inside and out.

I have moved to a new office, with new people, and one of the first things I noticed was the difference in the staff kitchen. Having a room that has seats and a counter that accommodates eating and preparing lunch means that people don’t just cram in to get their coffee, they hang around and visit. People eat lunch together and get to know one another. And, perhaps connected with that ambiance, people often bring treats. They bring them not just to the kitchen, but even coming around to all the desks to pass cookies or squares or whatever their specialty happens to be. It makes me think of when people would go the neighbour’s house for a cup of sugar… there is a sense of community that exists.

So, if all else fails, whip up a batch of Rice Krispie squares and take them to work. (Special secret: if you add a Mars bar or two to the melting marshmallows, people will think you’re a culinary genius.) If you want something a bit more exotic, try this recipe. I haven’t taken it to work yet, but I think my co-workers will like it. Even if you stick to the Werther’s candy, any effort to create a community at work will pay off. Life is too short not to enjoy it, so Bon Appetit!

Decadent Chocolate Cherry Fudge Brownies

(Makes one 8 inch square pan)

2/3 cup unsalted butter

1 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed

6 tbsp cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-process, such as Droeste)

1 tsp vanilla

2 large eggs

½ cup flour

2/3 cup dried cherries, cranberries or your choice of dried fruit

½ tsp cinnamon

EXOTIC VERSION (optional)

Add ¼ tsp ground ginger

SUPER EXOTIC VERSION (other optional variation)

1 tbsp instant coffee granules AND ¼ tsp black pepper or crushed red chiles

Preheat the oven to 325F. Melt the butter and sugar together. Remove from heat. Blend in the cocoa and vanilla, beating till glossy. Stir in the eggs, one at a time. Add the flour, mixing well. Fold in the dried fruit and spices.

Lightly grease an 8 inch square pan. Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool before cutting. Cut into triangles (squares first, then cut corner to corner) for an exotic presentation, or simply cut in squares and dust with icing sugar.

(If by some quirk of fate there are leftovers, these will keep well wrapped in plastic.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.