Brownies…..savor the thought for a minute.  They are the perfect accent for unexpected company, potluck suppers, afterschool snacks….any time really.  Had a baby?  Here’s a brownie.  Experienced loss? I’ll bring a whole pan. I can’t think of a time a brownie isn’t appropriate.

If you are gluten free, you can substitute all purpose gluten free flour blend for the flour as long as the mix contains xanthan gum.  In theory, xylitol will work instead of sugar in the mix and almond flour instead of all-purose flour for those on a fitness kick. (I’d be tempted to try 1/3 almond flour, 1/3 flax meal, and 1/3 oat fiber.) I haven’t tested these variations yet, so try it in a smaller batch the first time and report back how it went.

This mix can also be used for creative Pinterest recipes that call for brownie mix. 4 1/2 cups mix = a box mix that makes a 9×13 family size pan of brownies.

Brownie Mix

6 C flour

4 t baking powder

4 t salt

8 C sugar

1 8oz can unsweetened cocoa powder

Mix and store 10-12 weeks, makes about 15 cups mix

Brownies

¼ c melted butter

2 eggs

1 t vanilla

2 ¼ c brownie mix

½ c chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat over to 350.  Grease and flour an 8 inch square pan.  Combine melted butter, eggs, vanilla and mix.  Beat until smooth.  Stir in nuts (if using—or any other mix ins like chocolate chips, heath, peanut butter cups, or Andes pieces.)  Pour into prepared pan.  Bake 30 to 35 minutes, until edges separate from pan.  Sprinkle or frost with topper of your choice. Makes 16 – 2 in brownies.  Double this recipe for a 9×13 pan.

Chewy Chocolate Cookies

¼ c butter

2 eggs

¼ c water

2 ¼ cups brownie mix

½ t baking soda

¾ c flour

1 t vanilla

Pecan halves (Optional)

Preheat over to 375.  Grease baking sheets.  Combine butter eggs and water beat with a fork until blended.  Stir in mix, soda, flour and vanilla, add additional water if needed.

Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.  Put a pecan half in center of each cookie.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are browned.  Cool.  Makes 36 cookies.