Chocolate Hugs: Betsey's Best Brownie Recipe

So. It's been a while, hasn't it?

A lot has happened in the last month. I'm still settling into my new job and trying to find out where I fit in my new hometown. I can tell you that all these changes have necessitated a lot of things: a lot of self-pep talks, a lot of phone calls to Mom, and a lot of cuddles with my dogs. But perhaps the thing I have relied on most--and this is somewhat sad--is my favorite brownie recipe.

Need comfort? Brownies are second only to puppy cuddles.

Yes, that's right, I said it. Brownies. Sweet, gooey, delectable chocolatey goodness. Grabbing a fresh brownie and a glass of cold milk is like getting a reassuring hug from an old friend or slipping into warm just-from-the-dryer sweatpants.


...Although old friends and warm sweatpants don't do so much damage to my thighs. But honestly, sometimes you just need a damn brownie. And you should have one, and you should eat it with no regrets.


I know, I know, this isn't a dish from some exotic place like I usually post on this blog, but I haven't really explored all of the delicious eats we have to offer right here in the US of A. And if I had to vote on the most American food, the brownie would definitely be in the running. I mean, it screams America: it's always a star at bake sales, it's understated and unassuming, and it is best when paired with the Miss America of desserts: vanilla ice cream.


So, for those days where you just need a little extra reassurance and comfort, I want to share with you my very best and favorite brownie recipe. It goes together just as easily and as fast as opening a box of brownie mix, but it tastes so much more rewarding.

Betsey's Best Brownie Recipe

From Table to Tummy: 45 min.

Ingredients:

• 6 hefty T. unsweetened powdered cocoa (I used Hershey's)
• 1 c. granulated sugar
• 1/2 c. melted butter
• 2 eggs, beaten slightly
• 1 T. vanilla extract
• 1/2 c. self-rising flour

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Mix together the cocoa and sugar.
3. To the sugar/cocoa mixture, add the butter, eggs, vanilla, and flour.
4. Spread batter into a 9 x 9 baking dish that's been sprayed with cooking spray.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
6. Let cool for a few minutes before diving in. 

Bonus:
If you want to get really funky with your brownies, you can take the recipe to the next level by frosting it with homemade Hershey's "perfectly chocolate" chocolate frosting that is conveniently found on the back of your Hershey's natural unsweetened cocoa powder container. This recipe will make about 2 cups of frosting, just enough to frost these brownies and fill the cracks in your heart. 

Ingredients:

•  1/2 c. (1 stick) butter or margarine
• 2/3 c. Hershey's cocoa
• 3 c. powdered sugar
• 1/3 c. milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla frosting

Steps:

1. Melt butter and stir in cocoa.
2. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating on medium speed to spreading consistency. Add more milk if needed. (I do this step by hand with a whisk.)
3. Stir in vanilla.