The Delicious Goodness Of Brownies

Brownies also known as chocolate brownies or Boston brownies, obviously named after its color, are small chocolate cake-like bars. Brownies are served as desserts or snacks. There are different theories as to the origin of brownies but they more likely started from chocolate cakes, only they are shorter and denser.

Brownies are about an inch high and has a thick and chewy texture that contributes to its sweetness. There are various types of brownies with different consistencies and, of course, ingredients. The basic types are the classic fudge brownies, the softer cake-like brownies, chewy brownies, and blondie brownies, also known as butterscotch bars, which are made without using chocolate.

Those who are just learning how to bake usually start with brownie recipes. Kids can also bake these dessert treats, often using a brownie mix, which are available in supermarkets. While the recipe for brownies seems to be fairly simple the results often vary. You may have experienced baking brownies that are undercooked inside or too dry. Generally, if you want fudge brownies, you should remove the pan from the oven when the sides of the brownies have moved slightly away from the pan’s edges.

If you want cake-like brownies, insert a toothpick into the brownie’s center and if moist brownie crumbs attach to the toothpick your cake-like brownies are done. Another tip for perfect brownie desserts is to place your baking pan on a cookie sheet that has been preheated so that the brownie bottoms will not get burned.

Brownies are typically served hot with a glass of milk. A dessert of brownies served with ice cream is called “brownie à la mode”. Many restaurants serve it with whipped cream. Brownies often have icing on top. Some of the popular icing flavors used are chocolate, vanilla and mint flavored sugar-based icing.

While brownies are without question delectable desserts, they are quite fattening. However, you do not have to give up baking or eating them altogether if you are conscious about your weight. To cut down calories in brownies, substitute chocolate bar, which contains 50 percent fat, with unsweetened cocoa powder, which has only about 10 percent fat. There is really no difference in the taste so you do not have to worry that your low-fat brownies will not taste as good as the original recipe.

In fact there have been so many variations on the “original” brownie recipe. Today you will find peanut butter brownies, cherry brownies, chocolate cheesecake brownies, and so many others. So feel free to try new ingredients and flavors when you are making brownies. They are quick and easy to make and with so many flavoring options, you will not run out of ideas whether for everyday or special occasion desserts.