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.
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...
Beat the eggs until you have a smooth mixture...
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.
I love the history and story behind this brownie story! Cooking brownies was my first baking adventure in 3rd grade. I can’t wait to try out this recipe and add holiday candies. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kori....I hope you like them. Beverly Nye had another book called A Family Raised on Sunshine, too. I think she has since passed away, but I always think of her when I make these. Enjoy!
DeleteMy second job when I was a teen was working in the library in the children's room. I worked there for a long time and loved it. This looks like a nice brownie recipe and thanks for sharing it. It's perfect for holiday parties and gift giving.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the blog visits and have a nice week.
Yum, looks good! Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 18, open until November 26. Shared.
ReplyDeleteLove these brownies! And so sweet that you brought some to your local library.❤
ReplyDeleteI will have to try this recipe! They look scrumptious!
ReplyDeleteHa! Ya gotta move fast when there are brownies in the house! I have trouble getting pictures of pies I bake! 😁
ReplyDeleteSo true, Michele! When I bake for a party I have to be sure to say DO NOT TOUCH! Thanks for your comment!
ReplyDelete