Fudgie Brownies

I was looking on the internet for a brownie recipe that was more like boxed brownies than cake brownies and found this delightful (and not too hard) recipe at Inspired Taste. Everyone loved them. I have been told that I must make them again.

Ingredients:
10 Tbl unsalted butter
1 1/4 C granulated sugar
3/4 C plus 2 Tbl unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)
1/4 tsp salt, rounded
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs, cold
1/2 C all-purpose flour
2/3 C chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven and heat to 325 F.

Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. (This helps when removing the baked brownies from the pan, once cooled).

Add enough water to a medium saucepan so that it is 1 to 2 inches deep. Heat water until barely simmering.

Combine butter, sugar, cocoa powder and the salt in a medium heat-safe bowl. Rest bowl over simmering water (if the bottom of the bowl touches the water, remove a little water).

Stir mixture occasionally until the butter has melted and mixture is quite warm. Don’t worry if it looks gritty, it will become smooth once you add the eggs and flour.

Remove the bowl from heat and set aside for 3 to 5 minutes until it is only warm, not hot.

Stir in vanilla with a wooden spoon or spatula. Then, add eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously after each one.

When the batter looks thick, shiny and well blended, add the flour and stir until fully incorporated, then beat with the wooden spoon or spatula for 40 to 50 strokes. (The batter will be quite thick). Stir in nuts, if using. Spread evenly in lined pan.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted into the center and come out almost clean (you want it to be a little moist with batter).

Note: Some have found they need to bake an extra 10 minutes, so keep an eye on the doneness of the brownies and use the toothpick test as your guide.

Cool completely then remove from pan. For the cleanest lines when cutting, place into freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up. Cut into 16 squares.

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Triple Chocolate Brownies

My sister, Carol, found this brownie recipe online at Our Best Bites. I haven't made the brownies from scratch (this one was from Lehi Roller Mills; LOVED IT!), but I've done the frosting and glaze with raspberry, mint, and vanilla. Today, I decided to try it with dark chocolate butter cream frosting. So, here's my version of Death By Chocolate. Oh yeah, baby.

Ingredients:

1 fudge brownie mix, prepared

Frosting:

6 Tbs real butter

1 C powdered sugar

4 Tbs dark chocolate cocoa powder

2-3 Tbs milk

Glaze:

1 C chocolate chips

6 Tbs real butter

Prepare the brownies according the directions on the box. Cool completely and then put in the fridge to chill while you make the frosting.

To make the frosting, combine the sugar and cocoa together.

In a separate bowl, cream the butter. Add the sugar and cocoa to the butter. Add 2 Tbs of milk and blend. If it's too thick, add the last Tbs of milk. Beat until very creamy.

Spread evenly over brownies and put back in the fridge to chill some more while you make the glaze.

To make the glaze, put the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe dish (I use a 2-C glass measuring cup). Heat in microwave on high in 30-second intervals until smooth, stirring after each 30 seconds.

Set aside for a few minutes to cool, stirring occasionally.

Quickly spread over brownies and frosting. Do it quickly, or you'll end up with a big, gooey mess.

Chill until glaze is firm. Remove from fridge a little before serving. Cut into squares and serve.

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Banana Strawberry Brownies

I can't take all the credit for this recipe. I used a Pillsbury fudge brownie mix and followed the instructions on the box. The bananas were my stepson's idea, and the strawberries were my husband's. All I really did was insist on real whipped cream. I mean, really...

Ingredients:
1 brownie mix, prepared
1 large banana, sliced
8 medium strawberries, sliced
Whipped cream

Prepare brownie mix according to the package.

Lightly spray a 9x9 pan.

Line pan with sliced bananas and strawberries.

Pour brownie mix over fruit

Bake as directed on the box. You might need 5-10 minutes more than the instructions say.

Cool. Refrigerate and serve with whipped cream.

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