Symphony Brownies

I've been looking through old recipes to add to this blog. I suddenly remembered these brownies that I used to make when my kids were little that we all enjoyed. After a little research, I found the recipe. This will be added to my long list of things to make, if for no other reason than for nostalgia of it. 

Photo courtesy of RecipeGirl found here

Print

1 (21.5-oz) package brownie mix

plus additional ingredients listed on the package - eggs, water, vegetable oil

3 (6-oz) king-sized Symphony chocolate bars with toffee and almonds, unwrapped

Directions

Mix together the brownie mix according to package directions. Line a 9x13" pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.  Spread half the batter in the pan - it will be spread thin. Layer the candy bars on top of the batter, then spread the remaining batter over the candy bars. Bake at 350 degrees, for about 30 minutes, or however long the directions say to bake a pan this size. Cool and cut into bars.

I've also seen this recipe made in a 9x9" square pan, so it all just depends on how thick you want the bars. If made in a 9x9" square pan, obviously you will need to bake the brownies longer, but just follow the package directions. You may only need two of the candy bars, instead of the three listed above.

Note

You can use plain milk chocolate bars if you don't want the toffee and almonds, or use any flavor of chocolate bar you prefer.

Mint Brownies

This is an old recipe from my teens and 20s that was made often for bridal showers, baby showers, and "just because". It makes a cake-like brownie with a nice mint-flavored filling and a dark chocolate ganache topping.I believe the recipe originates from one of those old church cookbooks that were popular in the '80s and 90's.

Photo is courtesy of Taste of Home website here.

Print

Brownie Layer

1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs, at room temperature
1 (16 oz) can Hershey's chocolate syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour

Filling Layer

1 cup butter, softened to room temperature (2 sticks butter)
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cream or milk
2 ounces (4 tbsp) creme de menthe (See note below)
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
dash green food coloring, optional

Topping

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions 

To make the brownies, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar, until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time and beat until incorporated. Add the chocolate syrup and vanilla and beat until it is mixed in. Add the flour and mix just until it has incorporated. Pour into a greased and floured jelly roll pan (10x15x1") and bake 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool. 

To make the filling, using an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth, light and fluffy. add the cream, creme de menthe, peppermint extract, and food coloring, if using. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add additional milk of frosting is too thick. Spread over the cooled brownies. 

To make the topping, in a glass bowl, combine the semi sweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil and melt in the microwave to melt thoroughly. This should only take a couple of minutes. Cool slightly and carefully spread over the filling layer and use a spoon to spread evenly. Chill in the refrigerator until set/

Store brownies in the refrigerator.

Note: I use the creme de menthe syrup, which is an ice cream topping, which can be found in the grocery store with the other ice cream toppings. This is the brand I use.

Brownies Deluxe I

This recipe is very, very old. I got it from a lady who I used to babysit for, so I would have been in my early teens. It's been forever since I made them, but another that has gone on my Must Make Soon, list.

Print

Brownies

2 (one-ounce) squares of unsweetened chocolate
1/3 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1sp vanilla extract
2/3 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Frosting

1 (one-ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
1 tbsp butter
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 tbsp milk

To Prepare the Brownies: 

In a large saucepan, over medium-low heat, melt together the unsweetened chocolate and shortening, stirring until everything has melted. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the sugar until well blended. Remove from the heat and stir in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating well. Lastly, stir in the flour, baking powder and salt, just until blended. Spread into a greased 8" square pan and bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until set. Let cool completely.

To Prepare the Frosting: 

Melt together the unsweetened chocolate and butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla and milk, beating until smooth. Spread over the brownies. Cut into bars.