Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Brownies


Brownies make me happy; very, very happy. Why, you wonder? Brownies are loaded with chocolate. Anyone who knows me understands my complete and utter chocolate devotion. Betty Crapper NEEDS daily doses of chocolate.

There's something about the chewy, gooey goodness of a brownie that I love. Brownies are so chocolaty, I do not have to eat ten of them to satisfy a chocolate craving. A couple of squares for me and the rest for you. Betty Crapper loves giving away her baked goodies. It's a must for my lack of self-control, and girlish figure. 

Anyone with an oven can make brownies. No fancy equipment required. If you have the ingredients you are good to go. Betty Crapper says so!


I didn't want to bother with a double boiler set up so I melted my chocolate and butter over very low heat. Brownies are very forgiving. 


Who am I kidding? Betty Crapper's bowl was dirty and needed washing. I was in a hurry and wanted to get this party started. Chocolate was calling my name.

Once the chocolate melts, allow it to cool and then mix in the brown sugar, followed by the eggs.


Sift in your dry ingredients and stir until barely combined. You should still see lots of white.


Stir in your chips and nuts. By now Betty Crapper's batter has been taste tested quite a few times. I can't resist. It's the chocolate demons calling my name.


Pour your batter into your buttered and floured pan. Bake. Super easy. No box mix required. When the brownies are cool, cut them up and reap your rewards.


Brownies

4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (one Ghirardelli semi-sweet bar)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (one stick), cut into pieces
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350. Butter and flour an 8X8 pan. In a heavy saucepan, melt chocolate and butter over very low heat. (Best to use a double boiler) Stir frequently until smooth. Remove from heat and pour into large bowl. Cool slightly. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla. Add eggs and mix. In a small bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift dry ingredients into large bowl. Mix until barely combined. Stir in chips and nuts. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool. Remove from pan and cut into squares.

Tips
  • Melt your chocolate in a large mixing bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Now you have one less thing to wash!
  • Don't hurry when melting chocolate. Use very low heat and stir frequently.
  • Do not over mix your brownies. Stop stirring the mixture before all the flour has disappeared. You still have to add chips and nuts.
How do you satisfy your chocolate cravings? Shhhh, is that chocolate calling my name ...

17 comments:

  1. Looks yummy! I've been spoiled since I tried Mississippi Mud brownies though, I think they should all have a chocolate crumb crust now. :)

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  2. Mmmmhh, great minds think alike :o) I made brownies yesterday as well. I love that you added nuts, a lot of people don't and I think it adds so much to the finished brownie!

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  3. Those brownies look and taste better I eat two one for me and the other hum....I eat by mistake I love the deep dark chocolate with nuts

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  4. Look delicious! I've never understood why people rely on boxes of brownie mix when brownies are the easiest, and as you say, most forgiving, of all desserts to bake from scratch.
    I love walnuts in brownies. I love when you cut into them and cleanly cut a walnut in half. That pleases me. :) Yes, I'm a cheap date. ;)

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  5. I'm a brownie/chocolate lover too. Mmmm...brownies. Love that you added chocolate chips. And you are so kind to share! Happen to have any milk?

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  6. I have a serious love for brownies! That's why I hardly ever make them - I can't resist and my butt will grow bigger and bigger...These are heavenly! Wish I had one. Just one.

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  7. These look wonderful! Brownies should be a food group as far as I'm concerned. I'll be making these when my grandsons visit. You asked about chutney. I use Major Grays when I don't have any of my own in the refrigerator. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  8. I just found your fantastic blog and I'm glad I did because these brownies look pretty amazing! Love the brown sugar in there.

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  9. Oh how I love brownies. I'm trying to learn to bake...I think you and I are going to become very very good friends indeed.

    Newest follower here!

    Lots of yummy love,
    Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner
    www.mawhats4dinner.com

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  10. I have been trying to find the perfect from-scratch brownie recipe. I'll give this a whirl!

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  11. Damn you! I am able to resist most sweets, but a well-crafted brownie is bliss.

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  12. Those are some delicious looking brownies! They look like they turned out perfectly. Worth every calorie ;-)

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  13. Psst...I've given you an award. Come & get it! http://cookathome2010.blogspot.com/2010/06/award-and-warm-welcome-to-new-friends.html

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  14. brownies make me oh so very happy too! these looks scrumptious!!!!

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  15. OK, so I WAS doing a good job at avoiding the homemade brownies in the break room. Although I'm sure they're not as good as yours, they are definitely calling my name louder now!

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  16. I'm SOLD! Those look soooo delicious! Lovely blog!

    xxMK
    Delightful Bitefuls

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  17. I love brownies. Yours look yummy!

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