1.19.2012

Brownies

I once read of a lady who, looking back on her life, felt that her biggest regret was spending too much time baking bread. Now, I am of the opinion that most baked goods are worth the extra effort of making them from scratch. But there are a few things that just aren't worth it to me - pie crust, bread for everyday sandwiches, cinnamon rolls for a regular weekend breakfast. I previously included brownies on that list. They are pretty darn good straight from the box.

This past weekend, we had to bring a dessert to a party. It was twenty degrees outside, so I was not about to leave the house just to buy a brownie mix. I made them from scratch for the first time and, judging by how fast they disappeared at the party, they were so worth it.

Brownies

Brownies
{From Buns in my Oven}

Ingredients:
2 sticks butter
2 1/4 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 1/4 cups cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
2 cups chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. In small saucepan over low heat, melt butter completely. Stir in sugar and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Do not allow sugar mixture to boil.
3. Pour butter mixture into a large mixing bowl. Beat in cocoa powder, eggs, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Stir in the flour and chocolate chips until well combined.
5. Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, until a tester comes out mostly clean. The edges should be set and the center should still look slightly moist, but not uncooked. Cool on a wire rack.

I had a package of Andes mints leftover from these Christmas cookies, so I made my brownies minty by melting them on top.

3 comments:

  1. You should know, I was looking at this post and Katherine came over, poked her head around the screen, and tried to pluck one of those brownies right off the screen for her pretend eating pleasure. That picture makes them good enough to eat.

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  2. I have to admit, I really don't like ready-made pie crust! (Or crust on store-bought pies, for that matter.) Pie crust is definitely worth it to me. :) Those brownies look amazing!

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    Replies
    1. It's totally a personal preference! Lately, I have just caught myself falling into the trap of thinking that I need everything to be absolutely homemade to be a good mom. And, canning my own applesauce should really not be at the top of my motherhood priority list. I want to make from scratch the things I consider important and not feel guilty getting the rest from Pillsbury!

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You are awesome.