Brownies: The Bee's Knees!

I don't know about you, but I am a huge fan of the brownie and have been ever since I was a child. It's funny how something so simple can be so satisfying. Whether you are using a box recipe or startin' from scratch they are pretty easy to whip up.

Now, the ultimate dilemma ... fudgy, cakey, or chewy?

• Fudgy brownies are very rich, incredibly chocolatey, moist, and uber dense.
• Cakey brownies are slightly moist and airy and fluffy on the inside.
• Chewy brownies are basically a mix of the two. They're moist like the fudgy brownies, but not as gooey and still manage to be slightly fluffy.

The difference in all of these types are just in how you prepare your recipe. In order to get fudgy brownies, try melting the butter and chocolate first and then add the other ingredients. For cakey brownies, it is important to cream the butter and sugar until smooth before adding the other ingredients. And last, but not least, for chewy brownies, add an extra egg and use different types of chocolate.

For me this is not hard. Naturally, because I am a choc-o-holic, I prefer the chocolatey goodness of the fudgy variety. And there is definitely no shame in using the boxed stuff because honestly, they make some darn good mixes these days! In fact, I keep a box of Ghiradelli Brownie mix in the pantry just in case I get any sudden urges. It's super moist with the perfect texture. Plus, you feel ultra satisfied just by eating one because they are so rich and filled with chocolatey goodness. But, to each their own! Be simple and satisfying or take it up a notch and stir in some sweet deliciousness of your own choosing. Go wild ...

Alcohol: Kahlua, Grand Marnier, Bailey's, amaretto, rum, or brandy
Chips: dark, milk, or white chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter
Dried Fruits: dried cherries, apricots, or cranberries
Extracts: peppermint (try our Mint Chocolate Brownies), vanilla, almond, or orange
Nuts: pecans, peanuts (try our Peanutty Brownies), hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts or Macadamian nuts
Powders: instant express or coffee
Spices: cinnamon, cayenne, or nutmeg
Spreads: peanut butter (try our Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Brownies), cream cheese (try our Cranberry Cream Cheese Brownies), jams, jellies, Nutella, or caramel
Sweets: toffee bars, peppermint patties, peanut butter cups, M&M's, candied fruit or marshmallows
Zests: orange or lemon

Mint Chocolate Brownies
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Brownies	Peanutty Brownies	Cranberry Cream Cheese Brownies

We want you to enjoy your brownies to their highest potential. So in order to make your brownies taste extra special we have a few tips:

• Make sure not to overmix the batter. Stir until all the ingredients are dissolved and mixed thoroughly and the batter is mostly smooth.
• It is best to use a glass pan because they conduct more heat. Also, make sure to line your pan with some aluminum foil to save on manicures and extra elbow grease.
• Rotate the pan halfway through the alotted cooking time to make sure the brownies are cooked evenly.
• Always cool before cutting. We know that you start salivating as soon as you pop them out of the oven, but trust us, patience is a virtue.
• Don't refrigerate your brownies. Instead, put them in an air-tight container so that they stay moist and fresh.
• You can freeze brownies for 4 to 6 months to be prepared to any last minute parties or bake sales.

So, there you have it! Tons of new chocolatey ideas to share with the people you love or maybe just yourself!