Brown Sugar Brownies

Gooey Goodness for Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day fellow Foodies!  I still haven't decided what I am cooking for Valentine's Day dinner tonight.  I had originally thought that last night could serve as our big Valentine's Day dinner, but since it was sort of a bust, I feel the need to redeem myself tonight.  Last night I spent well over 3 hours in the kitchen, making the traditional Coq au Vin recipe from the Balthazar cookbook, which was... disappointing.  All that work and I guess I just wanted something that tasted a little less like chicken braised in bacon.  I'm sure if you liked braised meats, you would have loved the Coq au Vin.  It was rich, the meat falling off the bone, with great bacon flavor.  And it looked beautiful, but, no matter what meat I use or what I put in the pot, I just don't like braised meat.  Pancho wasn't a big fan of it either.  Neither of us like stews, or short ribs, or anything that requires slow cooking meat in liquid until it falls apart.  Honestly, I don't know what I was thinking trying Coq au Vin in the first place.  I guess I was lured  into thinking I would love it since it requires an entire bottle of Pinot Noir, one of my favorite wines.  Oh well, at least we gave it a try.  I think tonight I'll stick with something tried & true.  Maybe I'll whip up some pasta, or some Rack of Lamb.  I'll have to take a trip to the market at lunch and see what inspires me.

Most of the time I do try to cook fairly healthy.  I use lean proteins, I use whole grains, I substitute low fat or non-fat dairy for the really good stuff, I try to put veggies in almost everything I make.  But sometime, you just need something totally decadent and totally without nutritional value.  These Brown Sugar brownies fit that bill.  Plus, it's Valentines Day, and something super sweet is a necessary indulgence.  So instead of a savory Valentine's Day inspired main course, I'm sharing my brown sugar brownies recipe with you all.  Unlike my Coq au Vin from last night, these are always a hit!    

Brown Sugar Brownies
2 sticks butter, melted
2 cups dark brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 bag reeses peanut butter chips
1 bag milk chocolate chips
Equipment Needed:
Stand Mixer (or large bowl & hand mixer)
9 x 13 glass baking dish, sprayed with baking spray

1. Mix the Butter & Sugar.  Melt the butter and mix with the sugar on medium speed for 3 or 4 minutes, until smooth.
2. Add in the eggs & vanilla.  Add in the eggs, one at a time, and continue blending until they are completely incorporated.  Add in the vanilla.
3. Add the dry ingredients.  With the mixer on low add in the salt, baking powder & baking soda.  Then add in the flour, one cup at a time.
4. Mix in the chips.  Once the flour has been incorporated add in the chocolate chips & peanut butter chips.
5. Bake.  Bake in a 350 deg oven for 50 minutes.  Let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into 2" squares.  Makes 32 brownies.
6. Serve!  Serve the brownies once they have cooled completely.  They go great with some vanilla ice cream or a big glass of cold milk.

Bon Apetit!