Friday, November 12, 2010

My ultimate chocolate brownie recipe, because chocolate makes everything better

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It's been a tough week at work. I'm not going into details; let's just say we got some bad news that made everyone in our division pretty glum.

So I did the only thing I could to spread a little sunshine. I baked brownies. Lots and lots of brownies. I quadrupled my basic recipe and baked them in a half-sheet pan. I took the pan to work and put it in the kitchen. Next to the pan I taped a note: "Chocolate is good for morale."

Did the brownies help? Probably not much. But it's chocolate. It sure can't hurt.

P.S. I first wrote about these brownies almost two years ago - click here for the back story on the brownie recipe.

P.P.S. Sorry there's no photo of the actual brownies. I got back to the kitchen a little too late.


Best chocolate brownies
  • 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate (I prefer Valrhona)
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/8 cup cocoa powder, the darker the better
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Melt together the chocolate and butter over low heat. Let cool a few minutes. Stir in the sugar, then the eggs, beating well. Add the salt, flour, cocoa powder and extract(s). Pour into a greased 8x8 baking pan and bake 35 minutes, or until the brownies are set and the middle has cracked a little (that's how you know they're done, and not liquid, in the center). Let cool, cut, and dig in.

Note: If you're multiplying the recipe and baking the brownies in a sheet pan instead, cut the baking time way down - thinner brownies bake faster. Check them after 20 minutes, and definitely don't keep them in longer than 25.

19 comments:

Julie @ Willow Bird Baking said...

Such a thoughtful coworker! I'm sure it raised spirits!

Maria said...

Brownies are my favorite! Glad these were a hit!

marla {family fresh cooking} said...

Sorry to hear about the bad news, but looks like you brought everyone some love with these brownies. Hilarious & great photos!

Monet said...

I'm sorry about the bad news, and I hope that everything is okay. I love what you did with this post though. The empty pan is just perfect! Thank you for sharing. Here's to a wonderful weekend!

The Cilantropist said...

Haha, I just brought cookies into work today, sweets at work are always a plus, and kudos to you for wanting to brighten the spirits at your office. :) I am not surprised there were not brownies left to take photos of! I hope you at least got to eat one??

Patti at Worth The Whisk said...

You are a lovely co-worker who cares for everyone. Chocolate shows love and you did a lovely gesture. Have a better weekend.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

I am so sorry about your week and the bad news at work but I have to say that your co-workers are so lucky to have you! You must be great to work with!!
Is there an empty desk next to you? I could kind of go for some brownies right about now....I hear you make the BEST!

Anonymous said...

I think they actually helped. The fact that there are no brownies, is a good indication. And makes for an even photos. I am sorry about the bad news but I am sure you brought a bit of sunshine to their week. Angie

Rhonda said...

That was so nice of you. I'm sure it helped, when you feed the body you also feed the soul.

Megan said...

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then these pictures tell the whole story!

Sippity Sup said...

The only thing better than coming back to an empty pan, is coming back to an empty washed pan!

Erika Kerekes said...

@Greg - yeah, well, THAT never happens at work.

RICHSISTAH said...

I have tears running down my face. This isn't right, Erika. A pan of nothing? I get the point, but I need the visual. I need the SEE the brownies. For confirmation purposes, you understand. Love you anyway...LOL.

Erika Kerekes said...

@Richsistah - if you really need to see the brownies, look at the photo on my original post about this recipe: http://www.inerikaskitchen.com/2009/01/deepest-darkest.html . Not the greatest photo, but you get the idea.

Damaris @Kitchen Corners said...

The picture is classic, it makes me trust this recipe even more. Thanks for sharing Erika.

Rose Gold said...

I wished I am one of your co-worker to have some of your brownies. LOL. Maybe I should bake for my co-workers too to thank for always supporting me on work. Thanks for the idea.

Melanie Animal said...

This is indeed a yummy brownies I guess. There's nothing left but nothing. LOL. I should better make some of your brownies to try if it is really indeed a delicious one.

Rhea said...

OK, I'm making these brownies early tomorrow morning for some friends. But I have a quick question: I just realized that the chocolate I bought was NOT unsweetened -- it is organic 73% dark chocolate from Trader Joe's. So it won't be overly sweet, should I cut the sugar to 2/3 or 3/4 cup instead of 1 cup? Thanks!

Erika Kerekes said...

@Rhea - I would cut it to 2/3. Or maybe even half, depending on how sweet you like your brownies. Let me know how it goes!

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