Brownies from Scratch

When I was a little girl and any time we had to bring a snack somewhere–dance recital, preschool tea party, play dates–I asked my mom to make her brownies. They are from scratch and her delicate use of powder sugar (I obviously need more practice) was always perfect. Sometimes she would cut them ahead of time into little tiny square and put them into silver cupcake liners. When I asked her where the recipe came from, she told me that in college she and some girls put it together and would make them often. And now I make them. While my powder sugar isn’t done as well as hers, it makes me so happy to make a recipe she made when she was my age and throughout my childhood.

Once, she decided to make chocolate chip cookies instead. Now, normally, I prefer cookies to brownies. And don’t get me started on how much I love blondies–the best of both worlds. I was probably about four or five at the time and we didn’t talk about it before hand. But I can only imagine how crestfallen my face was because she felt awful that she tried something instead of the traditional brownies. As a four year old, I could not hide my disappointment but now I manage to keep a straight face when she makes something other than these brownies (just kidding…mostly).

This time I made mine without walnuts just to try it and honestly, I realized the nuts need to be in there. My mom spoiled me and made me a brownie snob. Maybe that’s why I prefer chocolate chip cookies because no brownies can live up to my mom’s recipe. The first time I made these, I was shocked at how easy they were. You would think this would make them less magical but it didn’t. Someday, I will make these for my kids.

What are some of your favorite treats from your parents?

Nina at Flowers in my Hair

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Nina B

Nina grew up speaking and eating Italian in the Chicagoland area. She moved to San Francisco for two years and, knowing she was always meant to be a writer, finally decided to share some of that writing with the world through blogging. There you will find her chronicling her adventures and misadventures (and isn't there such loveliness in mistakes and learning and growing?). If you ever go shopping with her, you will often hear her say, "We could totally make that!" Now, she is back in Chicago, with a real kitchen to cook authentic Italian food and other creations and space to do-it-herself. She finds it best to do all these things–writing, cooking, crafting, reading, adventuring–while laughing which is her favorite thing to do.

Latest posts by Nina B (see all)

• Fruit Salad with Mint and Honey - May 22, 2015
• Easy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies - April 28, 2015
• Roasted Brussel Sprouts - March 31, 2015
• The Easiest Salsa Ever. - February 24, 2015