Basic Brownies

Introduction

History

The brownie, as we know it today, originated in the United States at the end of the 19th century. The first known recipe for brownies appeared in the 1896 edition of the "Boston Cooking-School Cook Book," written by Fannie Merritt Farmer. This recipe, however, was more of a molasses-flavored, cookie-like treat rather than the chocolate brownie we're familiar with. It wasn't until the early 20th century that the chocolate brownie became popular, thanks to the introduction of mass-produced cocoa.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best brownies, use high-quality cocoa powder and real butter. The quality of these ingredients can significantly affect the flavor of your brownies. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added; overmixing can lead to tough brownies. For fudgier brownies, bake them just until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are delicious on their own, but for an extra special treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You can also drizzle them with caramel or chocolate sauce for added decadence.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the melting of the butter with the cocoa powder, which ensures a smooth and rich chocolate base. Another important technique is the gentle folding of the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to prevent overmixing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of vanilla extract, you can substitute it with an equal amount of almond extract for a different flavor profile. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute. And if you're looking to reduce the sugar content, consider using a sugar substitute that is suitable for baking.

Make Ahead Tips

Brownie batter can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Just be sure to let the batter come to room temperature before baking for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, cut the brownies into squares and dust them lightly with powdered sugar. You can also garnish each brownie with a fresh raspberry or a mint leaf for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Brownies pair wonderfully with coffee, as the bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the chocolate. For a dessert wine pairing, try a port or a sherry, which will enhance the chocolate flavors of the brownies.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a brownie for 10-15 seconds or until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of these basic brownies contains approximately 300 calories. The majority of these calories come from the fats and carbohydrates in the recipe.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these basic brownies contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of carbohydrates in this recipe is sugar, which provides the brownies with their sweet taste.

Fats

These brownies are rich in fats, with each serving containing about 20 grams of fat. The majority of the fat comes from the butter, which contributes to the brownies' moist and fudgy texture.

Proteins

Each serving of brownies contains approximately 4 grams of protein. The protein in this recipe comes primarily from the eggs, which also help to bind the ingredients together.

Vitamins and minerals

While brownies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, they do contain small amounts of iron and calcium, primarily from the cocoa powder and eggs.

Alergens

This brownie recipe contains common allergens such as eggs, gluten (from flour), and dairy (from butter). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this recipe or find suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, these brownies are a high-calorie, indulgent treat best enjoyed in moderation. They are rich in carbohydrates and fats, with a moderate amount of protein, and contain minimal vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This basic brownie recipe is a timeless classic that's perfect for any occasion. With its rich, chocolatey flavor and fudgy texture, it's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, these brownies are a simple and delicious treat that everyone will love.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by it. It was a simple recipe for Basic Brownies, but there was something about it that called out to me. I had always loved baking, and brownies were one of my favorite treats to make for my family.

I had acquired the recipe from an old friend of mine, Mrs. Jenkins, who had been kind enough to share it with me after I had complimented her on a batch of delicious brownies she had made for a church bake sale. Mrs. Jenkins had been baking for years and had a wealth of recipes that she had collected over the years. She was happy to pass on her knowledge to me, and I was eager to learn.

The recipe itself was quite simple, calling for basic ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and of course, chocolate. But what really set these brownies apart was the addition of a secret ingredient - a pinch of cinnamon. Mrs. Jenkins had told me that the cinnamon added a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the brownies that made them truly special.

I remember the first time I made these brownies for my family. The aroma of chocolate and cinnamon filled the air as they baked in the oven, and I couldn't wait to see the smiles on my family's faces when they tasted them. When they finally cooled enough to be cut into squares, I eagerly served them up to my family.

The first bite was pure bliss. The brownies were rich and fudgy, with a hint of spice from the cinnamon that lingered on the tongue. My family devoured them in minutes, and I knew that I had found a winning recipe.

From that day on, Basic Brownies became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for every family gathering, every church event, and every potluck dinner I attended. They were always a hit, and I loved seeing the joy on people's faces when they tasted them for the first time.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the recipe to make it my own. I experimented with different types of chocolate, added nuts and dried fruit for extra texture, and even tried substituting the butter for healthier alternatives. But no matter how I changed the recipe, the basic components remained the same - chocolate, cinnamon, and love.

I have passed this recipe down to my children and grandchildren, just as Mrs. Jenkins passed it down to me. It has become a family tradition, a recipe that binds us together and brings us joy. And every time I make a batch of Basic Brownies, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the kindness she showed me in sharing her recipe.

So if you ever find yourself craving a sweet treat, look no further than my Basic Brownies. They may be simple, but they are made with love - the most important ingredient of all.

Categories

| American Recipes | Bar Cookie Recipes | Cocoa Recipes |

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