My Best Brownies

 

My Favorite Brownies

First off, apologies for no photo of the finished brownies...something happened to my camera and by the time I realized the photo of the plated brownies had disappeared, so had the brownies!!!   

I have been making this recipe since about 1980.  I found it in the book pictured below -

I was working in a public library - one of my first BIG jobs as Children's Librarian in a large library.  The Children's Room was in the basement and near the Cataloging Department.  I would often browse through the new books coming into the library and found this.  I copied several recipes from the book, but this is the one that has stuck with me until today.   Beverly Nye also had a short lived television program in the 1980's....I used to enjoy watching her.  This recipe has been made MANY times.  It is my go-to recipe for family functions, gifts, and to enjoy with a cold glass of milk.  I really like this recipe and think it is easier than a purchased brownie mix...and with the cocoa you don't have to melt any chocolate.  AND...it makes a 13x9 pan of brownies...not 8x8 like some recipes.  So there are always enough brownies to share!

Brownie Recipe

2 sticks of butter or margarine ( I often used Smart Balance to make them "healthy")

10 Tablespoons Cocoa

2 cups sugar

4 eggs, well beaten

1 1/2 cups flour ( you can use whole wheat)

Dash of salt

You can melt the butter in a sauce pan, but I always use a microwave safe bowl to melt and then mix the batter. Once the butter is melted stir and make sure there are no cold spots.

Then add the 10 Tablespoons of cocoa...

Mix well until a smooth, chocolate mixture is ready for the sugar...

Add the sugar and beat by hand until the sugar is incorporated into the mixture.  I can remember Beverly on her television show saying to not skimp on this step...make sure the sugar is dissolved in the batter...

I use large eggs in this recipe....and, in a pinch I have used egg beaters.

Beat the eggs until you have a smooth mixture...

Then add the eggs to the chocolate mixture and stir well until all is combined.

Next add the flour....I add 1/2 cup at a time until it is all mixed in...then a pinch of salt...mix well!

Be sure that the batter is mixed well by hand...no pockets of flour on the bottom.

Spray a 13x9 pan with a nonstick cooking spray...I like the baking variety with flour in the mix.

Spread the brownie mixture evenly in the pan..

Then, before baking...top with your favorite topping.  I usually use m&m candy.   I use whatever seasonal variety I can find...or just regular m&m's.   These "Ghoul's Mix" colors work for Halloween, but the colors are also great for Fall and Thanksgiving.  You can also use chopped nuts, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips...whatever.  

Pop the pan in the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.   Cool , then cut in squares.  These freeze very well, if you have any left over...which is rare.   I made this batch for my local public library.  They are so friendly and helpful - and opening up in this crazy Covid time is not easy for them.   I wish I had the photo of the plate I took into the staff....just a Dollar Tree plate and a handmade note that said "Coming to the library is always a treat...thanks for all you do".  Simple little gesture, but they were so happy to get a treat!

I hope you try this recipe...it has served me well for many years and I hope it becomes a favorite for your family and friends, too.

Thank you so much for stopping by Our New Vista today - please leave a comment below and let me know if you have a favorite brownie recipe.  Or if you have another idea for a great topping for the brownies.   I look forward to hearing from you.   Until then....keep positive and test negative!