As usual, things are a bit hectic in our household...and yesterday was just one of those days where the sky fell in...a black cloud seemed to hover over my head the entire day. When I finally looked at the clock last night, it was almost 8:00 PM and I was exhausted and stressed to my maximum...so what did I do?? I made my way to my kitchen, of course! Looking for just a taste of comfort food and the solace I find when baking, I decided to make a batch of homemade brownies....and not homemade where you throw the contents of a box in a bowl...but true homemade, pull all the ingredients out of the cupboard/refrigerator, stir, mix, and bake. While a brownie mix can be convenient and quick, there is just something about making baked goods from scratch. This is my favorite tried and true recipe for brownies - it is from an old well-loved Betty Crocker cook book that I believe belonged to my mother when I was growing up - this cookbook is missing the cover and is in two separate pieces, but it is my "go to" book for recipes. This makes fabulous chewy, fudgy squares...and although I am not usually a chocolate person, I thoroughly enjoyed my homemade brownie with a hot cup of cinnamon tea latte last night!Brownies
2 squares unsweetened chocolate (2 oz.)
1/3 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional - 1/2 cup broken nuts
Melt together the chocolate and shortening over hot water in a double boiler. Beat in eggs and sugar. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt...then stir into melted mixture. Mix in nuts, if desired. Once thoroughly combined, spread in well-greased 8" square pan (8" x 8" x 2"). Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes (top will have a dull crust and a slight imprint will be left when top is touched lightly with finger). Cool slightly, then cut into 2" squares. This recipe will make sixteen 2" brownie squares.
So, the next time you need a little stress-reliever, try baking something from scratch...the result: a happy heart and a happy tummy...
The brownies look so yummy!!! AND I love chocolate. Also, sounds like a perfect ending to your day... :)
ReplyDeleteI will keep this recipe for future baking.
Thank you.
Hmmm...I am on my way! Just kidding! Now, wouldn't that be a road trip for a chat and a yummy brownie over tea?!? Enjoy one for me!
ReplyDeleteRobin
SERIOUSLY????...brownies...and i had SO suggested something else. guess who ;)
ReplyDeleteThose brownies look heavenly! I often bake when I'm stressed and it doesn't seem to matter what the hour.
ReplyDeleteSorry your day was so hectic but chocolate is the best "medicine".
ReplyDeleteI tried a recipe from Martha Stewert last week for Sloww Cooker Triple Chocolate Brownies. I was skeptical that you could bake brownies in a slow cooker but they turned out beautifully.
Hi Belinda! Your brownies look yummy! I too have an old Betty Crocker cookbook, over 35 years old, given to my for a wedding shower by a dear aunt. It too has always been my go-to for scratch recipes! Mine is also stained, falling apart....but won't ever part with it. Greeting from hot, hot Kansas.
ReplyDelete