Sorry for the lack of updates. I had a few unexpected surprises last week that kept me from being able to do my usual posts.
On Thursday, I attended a funeral. So this weekend my mom made a few batches of her fantastic lasagna to give to the family and I spent 5 hours on Sunday baking my little heart out. I was planning on making brownies for them, but my aunt got a hold of me and put in her own requests.
I started thinking a lot about life, loss, love, and food.
Baking is an indulgence. Frankly, no one needs sugar, but it can be a simple, yet tangible symbol of care and comfort during and between the best and worst of times.
I absolutely believe love and good intention must be a part of baking and cooking. I’m sure many will think that’s corny or silly.
Baking is a science. It’s chemistry. Follow the recipe and you should end up with a yummy results. But I’ve noticed over the years that my baking always ends up being a bit off if I’m grumpy or unfocused. Love is that intangible, magical extra ingredient.
Right now my go-to, must-share, chock full ‘o love and comfort recipe is Nick Malgieri’s Supernatural Brownies—and, like the name suggests, they have their own supernatural, intangible quality.
Nick’s Supernatural Brownies
With all of that being said, it’s confession time. I usually hate brownies. It’s a longstanding hatred that goes way back to kindergarten. I was sick one day and someone brought in brownies with nuts (gack! Nuts! Strike one.) for their birthday. Nothing dramatic happened, but, since then, I’ve just associated being ill with eating brownies.
These brownies, however, live up to their name. They are supernaturally, otherworldly, and fantastically chocolatey, gooey, chewy, and dense.
I, a brownie hater, love them, but other people love them. I actually had to hide the pan from a couple of people at a party to make sure the other guests had their fair share. I even overheard some murmuring about filling pockets and purses. My aunt actually puts in what have become bimonthly requests.
The recipe is incredibly easy. All I can really say is try it! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
On Sunday, I ended up making 3 batches at once.
Seeing all that butter and chocolate at the start was shocking and surprisingly off-putting.
Then, it melted and I fantasized about swimming in it. Amazing how the mind works, huh?
If you’ve ever wondered how much a Kitchen-Aid mixer holds, it’s exactly 3 batches of Nick’s Supernatural Brownies.
That’s 6 sticks of butter, 24 oz of chocolate, 12 eggs, 3 cups of sugar, 3 cups of brown sugar, 6 tsp vanilla, and 1.5 tsp of salt.
I had to transfer it to a large bowl to add the 3 cups of flour, though.
The trick with these brownies is that you have to let them sit overnight once they are baked to let them become “supernatural.” They’re great just out of the oven, but something magical happens overnight in the fridge. Just do it. Trust me!
Also, please don’t be tempted to mess with them on you first batch. Don’t fancy them up with anything. Don’t put mini Reese’s cups, or caramel, or ribbons of raspberry, or chai spices in them.
For the love of all that is delicious and sweet: Just make them the way the Malgieri intended before you go mucking around with the recipe. If you want to mess with them after the first batch, be my guest!
Most importantly, whatever you do, just make sure to share them with someone.
Tomorrow and Wednesday I'll share the other recipes I made. One is my favorite cookie of all time and the other is a cookie that's perfect for spring/summer.