The Joy of Homemaking

Posted by Jenni on May 1st, 2008 in Desserts, Sweet Things

Tonight I was really craving something sweet. I may have broken down and drug the family to Cold Stone Creamery if we had had any extra cash. But we didn’t, so I had to be creative. So what is the first thing that draws the creativity out of me when I am pregnant and tired? Chocolate. These brownies were really amazing. I have never made homemade brownies before, and now I’m pretty sure that I will never again buy a mix (okay, don’t say “never” Jenni!) I adjusted this recipe a bit, that I found from Allrecipes, they turned out wonderfully!

Delicious Homemade Brownies 

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar (I used organic sugar)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Frosting (optional)
3 tablespoons butter, softened
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup confectioners’ sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8 inch square pan.

2. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overcook. (I doubled the recipe, using a 9×13 pan, and needed to add about 8 minutes to the cook time.)

To Make Frosting: Combine 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup confectioners’ sugar. Frost brownies while they are still warm. (I didn’t make the frosting, I thought the chocolate chips added enough sweet goodness, but you could omit the chips and add frosting)