A Box of Brownies | Easy Valentines Treats

Of course giving a box of chocolates is classic Valentine's Day.  Have you ever heard the Barefoot Contessa talk about how she used to send Jeffery boxes of brownies when they were dating?  I would much rather receive a box of brownies than a box of chocolates.  I would also much rather give a box of brownies than a box of chocolates.

Pink Gold Embossed Boxes, 2 for $10

This idea is a Hi/Lo spin on the classic box of chocolates.  It is a beautiful pink gift box embossed with gold filled with good, old fashioned brownies.  I am obsessed with these boxes.  I had them custom made this year for my Valentines Collection.  They are a high quality, rigid 2-piece gift box.  I looked everywhere for the perfect color of pink.  

The measure 5" tall x 7" wide x 1.25" high - perfect for cookies, brownies or a small gift like jewelry, or a gift card.  I cut my brownies into heart shapes using these Heart Cookie Cutters.  Pink Gold Embossed Boxes >

The boxes are beautiful, but these brownies are the true star of the show.  They are just as decadent as homemade fudge - with the same consistency.  They don't have the chewy consistency of a boxed brownie, but more of a dense fudge.  They stir together (no mixer required) in just a few minutes and are made from really simple ingredients.

TIP : The main trick to getting the brownies to come nicely out of the pan is using a Parchment Paper  sheet on the pan.  This recipe is perfect for one of my Small Sheet Pan, $7  but you can double the recipe and use a Large Sheet Pan, $8   For both sizes, I use my Parchment sheets, but either fold or cut it in half for the Small Sheet Pan.

TIP : Another good idea is to place the brownie pan on a large sheet pan (also lined with Parchment) while baking.  This batter can tend to bubble over the edge slightly.

Parchment Paper, 100 for $10

Small Sheet Pan, $7

Large Sheet Pan, $8

When the come out of the oven, let them cool.  I recommend refrigerating them or about an hour to make them firm and easy to work with.  Run a knife around the edge and lift the entire sheet of brownies with the parchment paper out of the pan, using a spatula to help you.

Once they are out, you can cut them into squares or shapes with cutters.

Heart Cookie Cutters, Set of 5 for $6 >

The Best Brownies
This recipe is based on the Barefoot Contessa's Outrageous Brownies, but I've simplified it for our taste (without nuts and extra chocolates). 

2 sticks of butter

2 cups of chocolate chips

1 cup of sugar

2/3 cup of flour

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

3 eggs

In a large microwave safe bowl, place chocolate chips, then top with butter. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, until butter melts and covers the chips. Stir to melt.

Add the flower, baking powder and salt to the mixture.  Stir just until almost combined.  Beat eggs lightly, then stir in until mixed completely.   Do not over mix.  Just until combined. 

Pour into a Parchment lined Small Sheet Pan (9x13) and bake for 20-24 minutes at 350 degrees.

Let cool completely before cutting.  I like to refrigerate for an hour.  I lift the entire sheet out of the pan using the Parchment paper to make cutting easy.

I love that you don't even need to get out the mixer for these.  Just stir together.

I cut a strip of Parchment Paper to line the box, with enough to fold over the sides to cover the brownies when closed.

I think this is such a lovely gift and can't wait to make boxes full of brownies for all of our teachers, neighbors and friends.
Did I mention this is so much easier than decorating sugar cookies?!

Products Used :

Pink Gold Embossed Boxes, 2 for $10

Parchment Paper, 100 for $10

Small Sheet Pan, $7

Large Sheet Pan, $8

Heart Cookie Cutters, Set of 5 for $6

Shop the entire Valentines Collection, here >

The BEST Brownies... Truffle Brownies | LG EasyClean Oven Range

Last month, I shared one of my "Messy Recipes" (a recipe book or card that was splattered with ingredients from being used over and over again) from my little blue book that was my journal during my catering days - it contained all of my favorite recipes that I made over and over for my clients.  Well, this month, I was asked share another sort of "Messy Recipe" by the folks at LG.  

They have recently launched their new generation of LG EasyClean™ Double Range Ovens that can be cleaned in minutes instead of hours... meaning less time cleaning and more time to spend doing, well, anythingelse!    All you do is spray the oven interior with water, press the EasyClean button, then in just 20 minutes, wipe away any residual bits.  I love that there are no chemicals or high heat needed - something I always consider. To learn more about LG EasyClean click here.

1 pound of butter (4 sticks)

2 pounds of chocolate chips

2 1/4 cups of sugar

1 1/4 cup of flour

6 eggs

1 tablespoon of baking powder

1 teaspoon of sea salt

seeds from 1 vanilla bean

In a microwave safe bowl, place chocolate chips, then top with 4 sticks of butter. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, until butter melts and covers the chips. Stir to melt.

Combine the dry ingredients, then add it to the chocolate mixture in a kitchen aid, fitted with the paddle. 

Add the eggs and stir until just combined. Bake in a large 13x18 baking sheet at 350 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes. I let these cool overnight in the refrigerator to help the cutting process. Then enjoy!

Now it’s your turn to tell me - what is YOUR favorite recipe that leaves your oven messy? Let me know in the comments for your chance to win your own LG EasyClean™ Double Oven Range!

  

Sweepstakes Rules:
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner  will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 5/22/13 - 7/15/13.

Peanut Butter Brownies | Chewy, Chocolate Fudge & Peanut Butter Brownie Recipe

Peanut Butter Brownies

Chocolate and Peanut Butter might be one of the world's best combinations.  I know for some 'foodie types' that chocolate and raspberry, or chocolate and orange might be more sophisticated combinations, but for me it doesn't get better than PB & chocolate.

Peanut Butter Brownies are an obvious no-brainer.  You can start with a standard boxed brownie mix, or make homemade brownies (like my truffle brownies), either way the addition of a peanut butter swirl is crazy good. 

I've mentioned before that Mike is a purist of sorts when it comes to desserts - he prefers classic chocolate chip cookies vs. anything with oatmeal, raisins or PB, simple chocolate cake with butter cream frosting, and plain, 'chewy' (as he'd say...) brownies.  So, I added the peanut butter swirl to half of the pan.  You can do this if you are unsure if you'll like it... but I'm telling you, you will!

Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

Brownie Box Mix, prepared as directed (before it bakes)

OR

Homemade Brownies (get my recipe here!)

6 tablespoons of chunky peanut butter

After pouring the batter into the prepared baking pan, dollop 6 tablespoons of peanut butter evenly over the brownie batter.  With a knife, swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate batter, drawing your knife up and down the length of the pan.  Bake as directed.

I always bake my brownies a few minutes short of instructed baking time to get a nice, gooey, "chewy" brownie.

Notice Mike's taken care of the plain side already.  I love this Gold Touch Non-stick Baking Pan from William Sonoma ($26).  It is my official 'brownie pan'.

Caramel Brownie Cheesecake | National Cheesecake Day!

My very first job was at The Daily Grind in Lexington.  It was sort of a gourmet coffee, bakery and cafe - homemade desserts, muffins, stuffed croissants, and handcrafted cappuccinos and lattes.   Pretty fancy for a small town!  At least, I thought so when I worked there in high school.

One of my weekly duties was to make the cheesecakes.  Now you must understand, that this was in the 90's right in the midst of the Cheesecake craze.  The Cheesecake Factory was just becoming the hot date spot amongst my friends (that had boyfriends who could drive...), the Jell-O Nobake Cheesecake was the most popular dessert at potlucks... cheesecake was the dessert.