Topic of Choice: Brownies

Brownies are one of the most popular pastries in the United States. Since their invention in Boston in the early 20^th century, they have become one of the world’s yummiest treats. But who invented this perfect pastry? What is the history behind the brownie? And what makes them so special? 

This is one of the many recipes that have been developed for baking brownies:

• ·       Soft butter, for greasing the pan
• ·         Flour, for dusting the buttered pan
• ·         4 large eggs
• ·         1 cup sugar, sifted
• ·         1 cup brown sugar, sifted
• ·         8 ounces melted butter
• ·         11/4 cups cocoa, sifted
• ·         2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ·         1/2 cup flour, sifted
• ·         1/2 teaspoons salt

It is amazing how these simple ingredients can mix together to form one of America’s best inventions. Who came up with this amazing idea? 

The first brownie recipe was printed in the early 20^th century. There are various legends regarding the invention of the brownie. Among those is the legend of a chef who mistakenly added melted chocolate to a batch of biscuits, and consequently created the brownie. Another favorite legend tells of a housewife in Bangor, Maine, who was making a chocolate cake but forgot to add baking powder. When her cake didn't rise properly, instead of tossing it out, she cut and served the flat pieces. Despite of the many legends, much evidence points to Fanny Farmer as being the creator of the brownie. In 1905, Farmer adapted her chocolate cookie recipe to a bar cookie baked in a rectangular pan, thus creating the brownie.

Farmer’s accidental creation has turned into one of today’s favorite treats (maybe I speak out of personal experience). Regardless, brownies are perfect with anything. They can be a simple snack you make at home or be a fancy pastry that you can purchase at Bouchon Bakery. They can mix with your favorite ice cream, be made into a brownie pizza, or be combined with your favorite recreational drug (just kidding).  Brownies are the world. 

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