Life is Too Short Brownies

Dave Matthews said it best; “Life is short but sweet for certain.”  I am often reminded of this fact, though I wish the reminders were delivered in a nicer form. My friend’s dad recently passed away after losing the battle against lung cancer. Losing parents sucks. Cancer sucks. And when I’m anxious, sad, mad, or all of the above, I need to occupy myself…so I bake. The night I found out, I decided to make some brownies to send to my friend since I know how comforting some home baked goods can be. While stirring the batter, I cried for my friend, her family, and her dad. I cried for my mom, I cried for my family and I cried for everyone that has lost a loved one. It was quite therapeutic actually. You should try it.

Moral of the story is, life is too short. My advice is to spend as much time as you can with your loved ones and eat as much dessert as makes you happy. These delicious & classic “Joy of Cooking” brownies are a good start.

Brownies Cockaigne

Recipe from the Joy of Cooking Cookbook

  • 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 pan.

Melt the butter and chocolate together in a double boiler, over low heat. Once melted, let cool for a few minutes. Add in the sugar and vanilla and mix. Mix in the eggs until well combined. Stir in the flour until just combined.

Pour into the 9×13 pan and bake for 23-28 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test (stick the toothpick into the center of the pan and if it comes out clean, the brownies are done).

Yields about 12-16 brownies.

 This post is dedicated to the Reasner Family. 

 

10 Responses

  1. I really enjoyed your post and the brownies. One important ingredient that made these so sweet was your TLC. I know my dad would have enjoyed these as well. Thanks again!

  2. I make these every Christmas, last year I added Oreo cookie bits, and/or mint extract. Sometimes I make a peanut butter marshmallow rice crispy chocolate topping for the brownies. That recipe originally called for boxed brownies but these joyful brownies take it to the next level.

  3. Well this post made me cry just reading it. There is something therapeutic about baking. And chocolate. And passing along what you bake to friends just because and for no reason other than to say I am thinking about you. Your mom would be/and is/ so proud of you Caitlin. I know she’s with you -especially when you “create.”
    Fondly, Kate H.

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