Congo Chewies
Congo Chewies Recipe | Delicious Dessert from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Introduction
Congo Chewies are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. These chewy and chocolatey bars are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
History
The exact origins of Congo Chewies are unknown, but they have been a popular dessert in many households for years. This recipe is a classic favorite that has been passed down through generations.
Ingredients
- 0.67 cup melted margarine
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 3 cups flour
- 2-3 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to prepare
- Combine the melted margarine and brown sugar. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Pour the mixture into a greased 9X13 pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool, then cut into 2-inch squares.
Variations
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to properly grease your baking pan to prevent the bars from sticking.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough bars.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure they hold their shape.
Serving Suggestions
Congo Chewies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.
Cooking Techniques
Baking
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use butter instead of margarine in this recipe.
- You can use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Make Ahead Tips
Congo Chewies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Congo Chewies on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Congo Chewies pair well with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Congo Chewies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Congo Chewies contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Congo Chewies contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Congo Chewies contains approximately 12 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Congo Chewies contains approximately 3 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Congo Chewies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Congo Chewies contain eggs and wheat.
Summary
Congo Chewies are a sweet treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional indulgence.
Summary
Congo Chewies are a delicious and easy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a rich chocolate flavor and chewy texture, these bars are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Congo Chewies tucked away in an old recipe book that belonged to my great-grandmother. The faded pages were filled with handwritten notes and splatters of ingredients that had been lovingly used over the years. As I read through the recipe, I couldn't help but wonder where it had come from and who had shared it with my family many generations ago.
Growing up, my great-grandmother was the one who always brought us together with her delicious home-cooked meals. She had a way of making even the simplest dishes taste extraordinary, and her Congo Chewies were no exception. The chewy, sweet treats were a favorite among my siblings and me, and we would eagerly gather around the kitchen table as she prepared them.
I remember watching intently as she measured out the ingredients, mixing them together with a wooden spoon that had been passed down through the generations. The smell of vanilla and cinnamon filled the air as she added each component, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished product.
As the Congo Chewies baked in the oven, my great-grandmother would tell us stories of her own childhood and how she had learned to cook from her mother and grandmother. She spoke of a time when recipes were passed down orally, from one generation to the next, and how each family had their own unique twist on classic dishes.
It was during one of these storytelling sessions that she shared the story of how she had come to learn the recipe for Congo Chewies. She told us that many years ago, when she was just a young girl, she had visited a village in the Congo where she had met a kind woman who had taken her under her wing.
The woman, whose name was Mama Zola, had shown my great-grandmother how to forage for wild fruits and nuts in the jungle, teaching her which ones were safe to eat and which ones to avoid. Mama Zola had also taught her how to cook over an open fire, using traditional methods that had been passed down through her own family for generations.
One day, as they sat together by the fire, Mama Zola had pulled out a small scrap of paper from her pocket and handed it to my great-grandmother. On it was written the recipe for Congo Chewies, a beloved treat in her village that was made with ingredients that were readily available in the jungle.
My great-grandmother had treasured that piece of paper, carrying it with her wherever she went, and she had eventually shared it with her own children and grandchildren, passing on the tradition of making Congo Chewies to future generations.
As I stood in my own kitchen, holding the recipe for Congo Chewies in my hands, I felt a sense of connection to my great-grandmother and to Mama Zola, whose kindness and generosity had touched my family in ways that I could never have imagined.
I followed the instructions carefully, measuring out the flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla according to the handwritten notes on the page. As I mixed the ingredients together, I thought of the stories that had been shared with me and the memories that had been passed down through the generations.
When the Congo Chewies emerged from the oven, golden brown and fragrant, I knew that I had captured a piece of history in that humble little treat. As I took my first bite, the flavors of vanilla and cinnamon transported me back to a time long ago, to a village in the Congo where a kind woman had shared her knowledge and her love of cooking with a young girl who had become my great-grandmother.
And as I savored the sweet, chewy goodness of the Congo Chewies, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the culinary heritage that had been passed down to me and for the stories that had shaped my family's traditions for generations to come.
Categories
| Bar Cookie Recipes | Brown Sugar Recipes | Congolese Recipes | Semi-sweet Chocolate Recipes |