Personal Space Invader – Brownie Method

Some people weaponize gossip. Others? Physical affection. When @zara.noir wrote in about her overzealous hugger friend, Suzanne Paul knew exactly what she was dealing with: a personal space invader in a cardigan. And while communication is important, sometimes you need something stronger than words—a spray bottle and a slice of chocolate therapy.

Here's What I Would Do!

1. Ask her politely to stop? You’ve tried that, she’s still squeezing the air out of you. 
2. Fake a sudden cough? Effective, but might not put her off.
3. Carry a traffic cone and set up a perimeter? A little extreme.
4. Or… take a page from the Suzanne Paul playbook: arm yourself with a spritz bottle for gentle boundary enforcement— “Back, Brenda!”—and when all else fails, head for the kitchen. Grab your Chelsea sugar, cocoa, and courage, and bake yourself some decadent chocolate brownies for boundaries. After all, it’s hard to feel smothered when your hands are busy whisking batter.
   
   

Brownies for Boundaries

Fudgy, rich, and unapologetically chocolatey, these brownies are the ultimate comfort when personal space is under siege. Whether you’re baking Chelsea’s Classic Chocolate Brownie, a Microwave Mug Brownie, or the extra indulgent Chocolate Fudge Brownie, you’ll find peace in the pour, calm in the crumble, and joy in the chew.

Here are some of my favourites:

Helpful Hints

Setting boundaries takes practice, and so do perfect brownies. Don’t overmix once the Edmonds flour goes in; that’s what keeps them fudgy, not cakey. Line your tin with baking paper so you can lift them out cleanly (no emotional residue). If the top has that shiny, crackly crust, you’ve nailed it.

Let them cool before cutting, unless you like living on the edge - and who doesn’t, just a little?

Boundaries, but make them Allergy Inclusive

Not everyone can dive face-first into a chocolate square, but everyone deserves the comfort. Here’s how to keep the bake friendly for all kinds of boundary-setters:

• Dairy-Free Freedom: Use Olivani Spread in place of butter, and swap in your favourite plant-based milk. Chelsea’s Vegan Chocolate Brownie inspo can be found by tweaking the Chocolate Fudge Brownie recipe.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Sub in Edmonds gluten-free flour or try Chelsea’s Microwave Brownie recipe. It’s forgiving, fast, and naturally adaptable.
• Egg-Free Option: Try a flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flax + 3 Tbsp water) or go solo with Brownie in a Mug. No egg, no problem, no dishes!

However you bake it, the result is the same: warm, gooey comfort - and not a single unwanted hug in sight.

Conundrums happen every day. Chelsea’s got the answers.
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