Your Cheatin' Brownies

Everybody loves brownies. And perhaps because they're not particularly hard to make, people typically don't want to have to fuss over them very much, more of a bake 'em and go sort of thing. Still, that doesn't mean they can't be an outstanding dessert.


To me the ideal brownie is quick, easy, deadly rich with chocolate, and finished with a slight nut crunch. I've come up with a way to get the brownie I want without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and now you won't have to either.

This is my quick go-to dessert for picnics, potlucks and parties, and it makes a great everyday treat if you're craving a big chocolate fix or just want to pig out. I've even put them in an interesting container -- say a vintage lunch box, old fruitcake tin or plastic beach pail, and given them as a gifts. Either people love them, or they're lying.

It's the Cliff Notes of Brownie Recipes, so easy it's almost like cheating, (maybe it even is), so rich the chocolate oozes out between bites, and totally foolproof unless you burn them. That having been said, it starts out with a box so if anybody asks, you didn't get this recipe from me.


YOUR CHEATIN' BROWNIES

1 1-pound box brownie mix
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup chocolate chips

For best results use a premium brownie mix with a chocolate syrup pouch in the box. I recommend Betty Crocker Hershey's Dark Chocolate brownie mix.

Combine brownie mix with water, oil and eggs according to package directions. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips.

Pour into an 8" square baking pan prepared with baking spray. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out almost clean.

Cool completely. Cut into squares. Dust with cocoa and/or powdered sugar.

If you really want to add a "wow" factor and dress them up, serve them with fresh strawberries and creme fraiche. Elegant, decadent, simply yummy.