October 15, 2015
Who doesn’t love a brownie? I mean, it’s chocolate. It’s a baked good. It’s delicious. What’s not to want?
I try to keep a box of brownie mix in the pantry for those times when a spur of the moment sweet treat is needed. Sometimes we need to jazz them up a bit for a special occasion or a change of pace.
I’m including three simple ways to change up your favorite box of brownie mix.
Make ‘em Mocha
Coffee helps get me through mornings and some afternoons. Why not use it to help kick up the flavor of a brownies? When making the mix, dissolve 3 teaspoons of instant coffee granules into the water called for on the package directions. Add more for a stronger flavor.
If you’re feeling really sassy, make a coffee-flavored glaze by stirring a little coffee into 3 tablespoons of confectioner’s sugar. Drizzle over brownies.
Make ‘em Mini
Bake brownie mix in a mini-muffin pan for a bite-sized dessert. Be sure to coat the pan with nonstick cooking spray generously before adding batter. These can also be baked in a regular sized muffin tin. Perfectly portioned for a brownie-based ice cream sundae.
Make ‘em Marvelous
When you want to impress without too much extra effort, try dipping those babies. Cook brownies according to package directions and cool completely.
They have to be completely cool, okay cold, before dipping. So, cut the brownies into squares and pop them into the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
Next, melt almond bark and dip half of each square. Decorate if desired. I typically use white almond bark and drizzle with melted milk chocolate.
Looks fancy but it is easy. The possibilities are endless for other decorations. Think holiday sprinkles, pecans, crushed oreos. Anything to amp up the goodness.
Grab a glass of milk and you’re ready.