So who’s Helen? I’ve written about these brownies before, but you know sometimes things need to be brought back to the surface for people to enjoy! Helen is my cousins OTHER grandma. She’s not my granny, but she was an amazing cook! Helen gave me a tupperware container of these brownies for my wedding. Something to take on the honeymoon. I thought it was so thoughtful of her, and a really nice gesture. James and I loved them, and to this day, I still think they are the best brownies on the planet!
When it comes to desserts, I have decided that my most favorite treat is a brownie. I am a chocolate freak! I finally admitted it, and it’s 100% true. But to top that off I love a brownie full of nuts. It’s something I’ve kind of grown in to, but a boy brownie is the absolute best! Especially if it has pecans vs. walnuts. Just my personal preference.
So it’s summer time now, and there will be plenty of opportunities to make these brownies. The 4th of July, Father’s Day, ummmm Tues. night is always a good excuse as well. Enjoy! With or without nuts:)
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. butter
- 1/2 c. Crisco or shortening
- 2 c. sugar
- Cream together. Add:
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 c. cocoa
- 1 1/2 c. flour
- 1/2 t. baking powder
- 1/2 t. salt
- 1 t. cinnamon (optional)
- 1 c. chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 c. chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
Mix together until barely combined. I've found the less you mix the fudgy-er the brownie turns out. Pour in a GREASED and Floured 9x13 inch pan. I like to top the brownies with more chocolate chips and chopped pecans now. I like the nuts and chips inside the brownie, but they look so much prettier in the top. Bake for 30 mins. in a 350'F preheated oven. The center should slightly wobble, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out pretty clean with maybe a few clumps on it. When I doubled the recipe and made it in the larger pan it actually baked for 50 mins. They are great as brownie sundaes, or a great breakfast for your children! You'll totally be the favorite mother:)
http://abakerswife.com/2014/05/helens-brownies-2.html
I am a cousin of your cousin Heidi (or maybe your husband’s cousin?) and one of my grandmas is named Helen! Is this her? I know she has great recipes for spare ribs, pot roast, and apple crisp, but I didn’t know about the brownies!
Nevermind 🙂 I just read your older post about these brownies that told more about Helen. My grandma Helen is still alive!
Ok Jill! I’m just reading your comments and I’m intrigued:) I don’t have a cousin Heidi so can you tell me her last name so I can remember her.:) And I may need to get the recipe for ribs, roast and apple crisp! I always need another good recipe:)
Heidi McKay (maiden name McFarlane). She told me about your blog a few years ago.
Got it! Actually I’m not related to Heidi, and James isn’t related to Heidi, BUT I almost was:) Heidi was my brother Marc’s girlfriend before his mission. She married Marc’s best friend Scott McKay:) Needless to say they aren’t best friends anymore, but I LOVE Heidi!!! We keep in touch through blogs, and I see her every once in a while. She is such a sweetie! She always leaves me little encouraging comments. Such a small world. I still may need your grandma Helen’s fantastic ribs, roast and apple crisp. You can NEVER have to many good recipes:)
Yes, I remember Marc! Email me sometime if you think of it so that I will remember to send you the recipes.