When all else fails, there are brownies!
Many things are important in daily life. For the wife, mom or homemaker a few baking essentials are on that list. Even for the ladies that say ‘I burn water’ or ‘I DO NOT COOK’; I really believe everyone can tuck away a few recipes to have on hand for an occasion. This made my Top 20 recipes for the kitchen-free home.
One slice of ooey gooey goodness is bound to remedy any ailment. If you have not figured out yet, my secret weapon is brownies. Funniest thing ever, since I did not eat them for years! However, on a busy school day, when in need of a quick treat for kids club or a last minute visitor decides to pop in; the answer is brownies. My gang loves brownies, and this recipe satisfies! It is one of those no-fail or hard to fail recipes. If a tad gooey, they are still delicious. Baked a little extra because of distractions when multi tasking of course- just top with some ice cream or cool whip, still delicious. The best part, make in one bowl. Low mess in the kitchen always makes a great recipe even better! Okay, so on with the recipe.
First off, credit where credit is due. Not my recipe. Truthfully, I do not know where the recipe originated from except over 58 years ago, because that is when my great grandmother put the recipe in the cookbook- but it was from a lunch lady. So, without further ado:
Grab a large bowl. I use the kitchen aid. Like all great recipes, start by whipping your soft butter. I love the taste of Kerrygold butter.
When whipped thoroughly, add 1/2 Cup of cocoa and 2 Cups of Sugar. Mix well. Add 4 eggs, one at a time. Now this is where you have to be careful. Once the eggs are in, mix enough to create an even batter. Lastly, stir in 2 Cups of flour. You are going to pour the batter into a 9X13 greased pan and bake at 350 degrees. My oven takes 22 minutes on the dot; however, check brownies at 20 minutes. (Bake 20-25 minutes until done.)
Lunch Lady Brownies are delicious as they stand. However, another reason this is a favorite recipe is because anything goes and it still tastes great! Add up to 1 Cup total of desired fillings to alter this recipe or top with a delicious frosting. Our favorite frosting for this brownie recipe is Mom’s Brownie Icing, check out my post here. Some ideas we have added to this brownie recipe are:
- 1 Cup Chopped walnuts
- 1/2 Cup of nuts and 1/2 Cup of quartered cherries (Top with ice cream- YUM!)
- 1 Cup of reese’s pieces and peanut butter or fudge frosting
- 1/4 Cup peanut butter dolloped and cut in. Along with diced Reese’s cups layered within.
- 1/2 Cup of Raspberry jam/jelly dolloped and cut in to batter before baking. (Delicious with a raspberry cream cheese frosting.)
- AND For my 80 day friends, I love this recipe made with coconut oil, almond/oat flour, protein powder, honey and chia seeds.
Baking is so fun! My children and I love to be creative in the kitchen~ you never know when you’ll stumble on an amazing, can’t live without recipe. 😉
Happy Baking! Happy Homemaking!