Quick and Easy Brownies Recipe

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The story of the Quick and Easy Brownie recipe isn't tied to one single creator, but rather a series of culinary events and innovations. However, one particular anecdote stands out—the birth of the first brownie in Chicago.

As the story goes, the brownie was born at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago when a chef was tasked to create a dessert that could be packed in a lunchbox. The result was the brownie—a portable, delicious, and downright irresistible treat. It was this creation that laid the groundwork for the evolution of the Quick and Easy Brownie recipe, designed to bring the delight of brownies to home kitchens with ease.

The brownie shares its name with mythical creatures known as 'brownies'—whimsical pixies from folklore. While there is no direct correlation between these magical beings and our beloved dessert, the anecdote adds a layer of whimsy to its history.

Although the Quick and Easy Brownie recipe does not have any specific cultural significance, its influence on global dessert culture is impressive. Originating in the United States, this simple, delicious dessert has found fans worldwide, echoing the universal allure of American baking classics.

In the era of speedy culinary convenience, Quick and Easy Brownies have found their sweet spot. They offer a delightful compromise—ease of preparation without compromising the decadence. Variations abound with the inclusion of nuts, chocolate chips, and even spices, showcasing the recipe's adaptability to various dietary preferences and adventurous palates.

JUMP TO:

INGREDIENTS:

Cocoa Powder: Go for an unsweetened, high-quality cocoa powder for the richest, most chocolatey flavor. Dutch-process cocoa powder can also be used for a smoother, more mellow flavor.

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Walnut Halves: Choose fresh walnut halves for their texture and flavor. If possible, toast them lightly in a dry pan to enhance their flavor before incorporating into the batter.

MAIN STEPS:

Butter: When you're melting your butter, be mindful of its temperature. Overheated butter can end up cooking your egg when combined, which can affect the brownie's texture. Allow your butter to cool down a bit before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Mixing the batter: It's crucial not to overmix the batter, as it can lead to a tougher texture. Mix just until you can no longer see dry flour. The batter might still be lumpy, but that's okay.

Walnuts: Consider how you're adding your walnut halves. If you're not a fan of large nut pieces, you can chop them into smaller bits. Alternatively, if you'd prefer a smoother brownie, you can opt to omit the nuts altogether.

SERVED WITH:

Starter: Brie en Croute (France): A traditional French dish that involves wrapping Brie cheese in puff pastry and baking it until golden. The creaminess and mild flavor of the Brie contrasts beautifully with the rich, sweet brownies.

Side dish: Mixed Berry Salad (International): A simple and refreshing dish consisting of various mixed berries. The tartness and fresh flavors of the berries help to balance the richness of the brownies.

Main Course: Chicken Mole (Mexico): This dish is a combination of chicken in a rich, complex sauce made from chilies, spices, and, importantly, chocolate. It introduces a savory application of chocolate that nicely leads into the brownie dessert.

Second Course: Duck a l'Orange (France): An elegant French dish featuring roasted duck with an orange sauce. The sweet and tangy flavor profile sets the stage for a chocolate dessert.

Dessert: Vanilla Ice Cream (USA): A classic accompaniment to brownies, a scoop of vanilla ice cream not only complements the warm, fudgy texture of the brownie but also provides a temperature contrast.

Cake: Coffee Sponge Cake (Italy): A light and airy coffee-flavored sponge cake. This cake, with its strong coffee flavor, provides a good match for the chocolate brownies, much like a cup of coffee would.

Drink: Ruby Port (Portugal): Ruby Port is a sweet, fortified wine known for its rich, fruity flavors. It complements chocolate very well, making it an excellent pairing for chocolate brownies.

ALTERNATIVES:

Course: Chocolate Fondant (France): This classic French dessert uses similar ingredients to brownies - chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, and a bit of flour. It's baked just long enough for the outside to set while the inside remains molten, creating a rich and luxurious dessert.

Course: Chocolate Babka (Poland): This traditional Polish bread uses ingredients similar to brownies. It's a sweet, yeasted bread twisted and filled with a rich chocolate filling, offering an indulgent treat that's perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

Course: Chocolate Chip Scones (United Kingdom): A British take on the classic scone, these are made with flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and chocolate chips. They're less sweet than brownies, making them perfect for a decadent breakfast or afternoon tea.

Course: Chocolate Pavlova (Australia): A variation on the classic pavlova, this uses egg whites and sugar to create a meringue base, flavored with cocoa powder and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It's a delightfully light and airy dessert that still satisfies chocolate cravings.

Course: Chocolate Biscotti (Italy): These crunchy Italian cookies use many of the same ingredients as brownies, including chocolate, flour, sugar, and eggs. They are twice-baked, resulting in a crisp texture that's perfect for dunking in coffee or dessert wine.

Course: Churros con Chocolate (Spain): Spain's classic churros use a dough similar to a pâte à choux (made with water, butter, flour, and eggs), which is then deep-fried and dusted with sugar. These sweet, crunchy treats are traditionally served with a cup of thick, rich hot chocolate for dipping.

Course: Chocolate Rugelach (Israel): These traditional Jewish pastries are made with a cream cheese dough and filled with chocolate, similar to brownies. They are small, crescent-shaped treats that are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.

HISTORY:

Attributing the Quick and Easy Brownie Recipe to a single creator would be an oversimplification. Its conception is a product of culinary ingenuity and the evolution of home baking. Historically, brownies first emerged in the late 19th century. But, it was the 20th century's modern convenience and the popularization of boxed mixes that shaped the Quick and Easy Brownie Recipe as we know it.

While there are no specific legends associated with the Quick and Easy Brownie Recipe, there is an amusing tale related to brownies' name. The folklore suggests it was named after mythical pixies known as 'brownies'. While the accuracy of this story is debatable, it adds a whimsical layer to the humble brownie's history.

Photo: Uncut Recipes

The Quick and Easy Brownie Recipe may not have any direct cultural significance, but its influence on the global dessert map is remarkable. Born in the United States, the simplicity and decadence of these brownies quickly captured hearts worldwide, symbolizing the global appeal of American baking classics.

In today's age of culinary convenience, Quick and Easy Brownies have flourished, offering home bakers a fuss-free avenue to create something truly delicious. From the traditional recipe, we've seen countless variants emerge, with additions such as nuts, chocolate chips, and various spices. The recipe's flexibility allows for creative adaptations, fitting various dietary needs and taste preferences.

TIPS:

Use Different Nuts: While walnut halves are suggested in the recipe, consider trying out other types of nuts like pecans, almonds, or even pistachios. For an even more gourmet touch, try candying or pralining the nuts before adding them to the batter.

Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding unique flavor components like a swirl of caramel, peanut butter, or raspberry jam. For a more sophisticated palate, you could consider adding a dash of chili powder or a sprinkling of sea salt flakes for a unique sweet and savory twist.

The Pan: Ideally, use a 9x13-inch Pan, and make sure to grease it well. If you don't have this particular size of pan, an alternative could be to use a similar-sized baking dish or even individual cupcake liners for portioned brownies. Remember, the goal is to prevent the Brownies from sticking to the pan.

Smoke or Grill: Try smoking or grilling your brownies for an unexpected flavor profile. A touch of smoke can complement the chocolate's richness and provide a unique twist.

Ingredients:

Conversions and Servings: Cups (16 Brownies - 1 11x32cm or 9x13in Pan) Cups (32 Brownies - 2 11x32cm or 9x13in Pans) Cups (48 Brownies - 3 11x32cm or 9x13in Pans) Cups (64 Brownies - 4 11x32cm or 9x13in Pans) Imperial (16 Brownies - 1 11x32cm or 9x13in Pan) Imperial (32 Brownies - 2 11x32cm or 9x13in Pans) Imperial (48 Brownies - 3 11x32cm or 9x13in Pans) Imperial (64 Brownies - 4 11x32cm or 9x13in Pans) Metric (16 Brownies - 1 11x32cm or 9x13in Pan) Metric (32 Brownies - 2 11x32cm or 9x13in Pans) Metric (48 Brownies - 3 11x32cm or 9x13in Pans) Metric (64 Brownies - 4 11x32cm or 9x13in Pans)

Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 175C / 350F.

02 - Now, you'll need to prepare your baking dish. Ideally, use a 9x13-inch Pan, and make sure to grease it well.

03 - It's time to mix your ingredients. In a large Bowl, combine the Sugar, Flour, melted Butter, Eggs, Cocoa Powder, Vanilla, Baking Powder, and Salt. Stir these together until you have a uniform mixture. Don't worry about a few small lumps; they won't affect the final product.

04 - Now, transfer the Batter into the pan you prepared earlier. You want to spread it out evenly so that it bakes uniformly. You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to help spread it out.

05 - For an extra touch of flavor and crunch, decorate your batter with Walnut Halves. Simply press them gently into the top of the batter. This is optional, but it adds a nice visual touch and a bit of extra flavor.

06 - Place your pan in the preheated Oven and let the Brownies bake. They should be ready in about 20 to 30 minutes, but start checking around the 20-minute mark. You'll know they're done when the top is dry and the edges have started to pull away from the sides of the pan.

07 - Once baked, resist the temptation to slice them immediately! Let the Brownies cool first. This will make it easier to slice them into squares and will prevent them from falling apart. Now you're ready to enjoy your Quick and Easy Brownies!

Photo: Uncut Recipes

Notes:

Greasing the Pan: Before adding the brownie batter, the recipe calls for greasing the baking dish. This will help the brownies to release from the pan more easily after baking. As an extra measure to ensure easy removal, you can also line the greased pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to create a sling.

Mixture Consistency: When mixing the batter, it's not unusual to see a few lumps remaining. As the brownies bake, these lumps will generally dissolve, so there's no need to overmix the batter in an attempt to get rid of them.

Cooling Before Cutting: Letting the brownies cool before cutting into them is a crucial step. Cutting into them while they're still warm may cause them to crumble or collapse. Once they've cooled, they'll be firmer and easier to slice into neat squares.

Storing the Brownies: These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you need to store them for a longer period, they can be frozen. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brownies: If the brownies have been frozen, you can thaw them at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them warm, you can reheat them gently in the microwave.

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Written by: Uncut Recipes

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