My New Favorite Brownie Recipe

I love made from-scratch brownies! The packaged mixes just don't compare to the real, from-scratch version (The Hershey's brownie mix at Sam's is the only exception, in my opinion). Ever since my high school days when my Aunt Melanie would serve her delicious brownies, I have used her recipe any time I needed/wanted brownies.

However, her recipe calls for Crisco, and I think its the only reason I use Crisco. So when I was recently craving brownies and had no Crisco, I went searching for a new from-scratch recipe. I discovered the Add Anything Brownies on Karen's blog. They are very chewy and yummy! I recommend you give them a try!

Cream Cheese Brownies

Cream Cheese Brownies

Aunt Melanie's Brownies

I love my Aunt Melanie's brownies. I remember these from when I was growing up, and they spoiled me to homemade from scratch brownies. I rarely make brownies from a box! Here's her famous recipe:

1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. cocoa
2 c. sugar

Melt above ingredients in saucepan over medium heat.

Remove from heat and add:

4 eggs (beaten)
1 1/2 c. flour
1 t. salt
1 t. baking powder

Place in rectangular or square baking dish and bake at 350 until toothpick inserted in center comes back clean (approx. 20 min).

Need a Valentine variety? Replace baking dish with heart shaped cake or muffin pans. After they are cooked and have been removed from oven, immediately push peanut butter M&Ms (pink, red and white variety) into brownie. Allow to cool before serving.

Brownie Trifle

This is one of my Mom's specialties. Its yummy - how could it not be? Its chocolate!

1 pkg brownie mix (I make my own from scratch)
2 small instant chocolate pudding
1 pkg toffee chips
1 12 oz Cool Whip

Prepare brownie mix & cool. Prepare pudding.

In trifle bowl layer
½ brownies (crumbled)
½ pudding
½ toffee chips
½ Cool Whip
Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Crumble a corner of the brownies (where it’s hard) on top & sprinkle a few pieces of the toffee chips for garnish. Best if chilled all day or overnight.