I'm Sandra, and I'm a chocoholic. There's no shame in admitting that, is there? I love chocolate candy, chocolate cake, chocolate pie, brownies, ice cream, mousse -- everything chocolate.
Even when it comes time to do a tasting for an upcoming event for the nonprofit I oversee, my bias for chocolate is hard to hide. We're gearing up for a golf tournament, and the night before the tournament, there's a dinner at the Hilton in downtown Austin. (Shameless plug -- their manager is on our board, and they're very, very generous to our chapter).
The Hilton hosted a tasting the other day for the golf dinner, and I just couldn't wait for dessert -- two choices. One was pears in a champagne sauce. That was the one placed in front of me. My manager of special events got the chocolate option. I was insanely jealous, but I never let on. And, honestly, the pears were pretty yummy. We taste-tested each one, though, and there just was no comparison to the chocolate option. I wish I had a picture of the chocolate dish, because the presentation was beautiful and whimsical. Hopefully, I'll have a chance to take a pic of it at the dinner.
We moved into our house right over Christmas, and yes, I mean during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There are still some unopened boxes in the garage, and I'm sure there's one that holds a few of my cookbooks, measuring cups and flour sifter. Unfortunately, I've used that as an excuse not to make my "famous" scratch brownies, for which my husband claims he married me.
My 12-year-old daughter has expressed an interest in cooking, so I decided to teach her how to make "my" brownies. Friday night, we worked together and created the best brownies known to man. After one taste, my husband knew they were mine and not from a box. There really is a big difference. And now I'm sharing the recipe with the world. Or at least to those of you who read this blog.
Sandra's Brownies
(Note -- this is a modified version of the fudge brownies in the Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook, circa 1981, and the recipe is doubled, since a single batch never seems to be enough).
1 1/4 C butter (I used unsalted, sweetened, but the salted works, too.)
12 T (or 3/4C) powdered cocoa
2 C sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 C all-purpose flour
Oven 350
Melt butter over low heat. Once melted, turn off heat and add cocoa. Stir thoroughly. Stir in sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat LIGHTLY just till combined (don't overbeat or brownies will rise too high, then fall). Add flour, stirring after every quarter cup to avoid lumps. Pour batter into 9"x13" pan and cook for 35 mins. Cook longer for cakier brownies.
The yummiest way to serve these is right out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla (or WalMart's white russian) ice cream.
Try them, and let me know what you think. In the meantime, I'll be holding down the fort at the CA meetings.
14 comments:
Ok that pic is almost cruel!...I am SO there.
Just need to wait for my DD to get home. She loves to bake/cook/create with me. The boys, eh,...sometimes...but would rather eat.
Your pic looks superlicious!
*raising hand*
"My name is Julia and I'm a chocoholic."
I admit it. And this post made me DROOL. Yum. Thanks for the recipe! -Julia :-)
Oh sick....Walmart makes White Russian Ice cream? Yum! Doesn't really go with Rice Krispy Treats, though. That's all my kids want to amake anymore :(
Hmmm...brownies from scratch? I don't make ANYthing from scratch. Maybe that's why I'm not married any more?! LOL! I'll have Kathleen give those a go, Sandra, and I'll let you know how they come out. They sure LOOK good!
P.S. 100th post giveaway at my place this week! Be there or be square!
I'm with Sharon, you make brownies from scatch? Trying to make us all look bad?
Oh Sandra, those look so delish! I am going to have to try 'em this w/e. I was just craving brownies too.
Mmmmm, I might have to try this.
Thanks for the double recipe. Not to worry, if you're a chocoholic, you're in good company.
-Lana
Oh, I wanted to ask you for this recipe again, as I lost it but have been too embarrassed to admit it! Now it's written forever (I hope!) in blogland! Thank you, thank you.
Y'all, these really *are* the best brownies. I've had the privilege of eating them (made by Sandra) right out of the oven with a scoop of ice cream on top.
How does this fit into my "healthy food" diet though?! Ah well, a splurge every now and then keeps me from falling totally off the wagon. Or at least that is what I am going to tell myself. That, and that chocolate is good for me and my soul.
Oh, and we had the *best*, like 7-layer chocolate cake that they sold in the hotel deli/convenience store! when we were in Anaheim. Did I tell you that? It reminds me of that photo here. I wish I could find the recipe for that cake! The frosting was nice and light and creamy...so, so, so good.
Yummy! I also am a chocoholic! I can't wait to try this!
Wow Sandra, all these years, and this is the first time I've seen your Brownie recipe! I am going to make these for Mike...chocolate fudge brownies are one of his faves...although he usually only gets them from the box from me!
omg - THAT PICTURE!!!! I"m starving!!!!!!!
Thanks for the comment too - I agree with you, I loved the family pictures of the Kennedys too - they were so interesting to me!!!!
Now, I have to find a chocolate cake or something! I need a fix.
Hi Sandra!
Oh my goodness - I must reach into my 'puter screen and help myself to one of your brownies!! Yummy! I've even got a cup of hot coffee ready to go with it. Thank you for sharing your recipe - I'll definitely try it!
((hugs))
Kim
yer killin" me...
Devonia
OH GOOD! This is the HEALTHY VERSION! ;-) I call the corner!
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