• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

By Root 2150 0

Here the well-loved confection takes shape in a quick and easy no-bake bar. You can doctor this brownie recipe to suit your taste in the same way you would regular brownies. For example, replace the vanilla with a different extract (e.g., peppermint, brandy, rum, orange, maple), use any nut of your choice, spice it up with cinnamon or a dash of red pepper, or a add a favorite purchased or homemade frosting.

2 ½ cups finely crushed chocolate graham cracker crumbs

2 cups miniature marshmallows

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, preferably skillet toasted and cooled (see page xviii)

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup canned evaporated milk

½ cup light corn syrup

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Lightly spray a 9 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Mix the crumbs, marshmallows, and nuts in a large bowl; set aside.

Combine the chocolate chips, evaporated milk, corn syrup, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until chocolate is melted. Increase heat to medium; bring to a full boil. Boil for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until blended.

Immediately stir chocolate mixture into the crumb mixture, mixing until well blended. Spread evenly in prepared pan, pressing down and smoothing surface with a square of wax paper. Refrigerate until set, about 3 hours. Cut into 24 bars. Store in covered containers between layers of wax paper.

MAKES 24 BARS.

OATMEAL COOKIE-BOTTOMED BROWNIES

If there is a way to build on the brownie’s old-fashioned, homey goodness, it’s by fortifying its foundation with a brown sugar oatmeal base. Pour a glass of cold milk to complement the renovation.

2 ½ cups quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats

¾ cup all-purpose flour

¾ cup packed dark brown sugar

½ teaspoon baking soda

¾ cup (1½ sticks) butter, softened

1 (19.5- to 19.8-ounce) package brownie mix

½ cup vegetable oil ¼ cup water

2 large eggs

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark-coated metal pan). Position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Spray the bottom only of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray (or foil-line pan; see page xxiv).

Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and baking soda; mix in softened butter in a large mixing bowl with wooden spoon or electric mixer set on low until well blended. Reserve 1 cup of the oat mixture; press remaining oat mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes; transfer to wire rack and cool for 5 minutes (leave oven on).

Combine the brownie mix, oil, water and eggs in a medium mixing bowl with a wooden spoon until just blended and all dry ingredients are moistened; stir in chocolate chips. Spread batter over partially baked crust; sprinkle with reserved oat mixture.

Bake for 30–35 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out clean or almost clean (do not overbake). Transfer brownies to a wire rack and cool completely. Cut into squares.

MAKES 24 LARGE OR 36 SMALL BROWNIES.

OH-SO-ORANGE BROWNIES

A refreshing change of pace from traditional brownies, this recipe features the full flavor of orange throughout. Make sure to choose a relatively thin-skinned navel orange for best flavor.

1 large navel orange

1 (19.5- to 19.8-ounce) package brownie mix

½ cup oil

2 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark-coated metal pan). Position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Spray the bottom only of an 8-inch-square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray (or foil-line pan; see page xxiv).

Scrub the orange gently under warm water with a vegetable brush; pat dry. Cut the orange into quarters, trimming off ends (do not remove peel); remove any stray seeds. Place quarters into blender or food processor; purée until smooth.

Combine orange purée, brownie mix, oil, and eggs in a medium mixing bowl with a wooden spoon until just blended. Spread batter into prepared pan.

Bake for 40–44 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out clean or almost clean (do not