reverse fake

Fudgy brownies. My husband likes brownies from a box. I get it, they remind him of childhood.

As a pretty arrogant baker, I was sure I could replicate the brownies made with a mix from scratch. This batch actually came pretty close to resembling the ones we both recall eating as kids, and they disappeared in just a few days, and always with a glass of milk. Do you ever wonder who first decided to chase brownies or chocolate chip cookies with a gulp of milk? I do, and I hope she knew she was a genius.

I suspect this is the type of recipe that will yield very different results for different people, or even for the same person on different occasions. Regardless, I'll bet they'll still be delicious every time.

Brownies From a Box From Scratch

(printable recipe)
Makes 9 small brownies
Ingredients:

• 10 tablespoons (1-1/4 sticks) butter
• 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Spray the bottom and sides of an 8×8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
Combine the butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave for one minute and stir, then heat at 15-second intervals until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Set the mixture aside until it cools slightly.
Stir in the vanilla with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.
Add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each one.
When the batter looks thick, shiny, and is well-blended, add the flour and stir until no white flecks remain, then beat vigorously for 40 strokes with the wooden spoon or a rubber spatula.
Spread evenly in the greased pan.
Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges slightly moist with batter, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely on a rack.
Cut into squares and serve (with milk).