On December 8 we celebrate, the National Brownie Day a day to celebrate, brownies fudgy, cakey, or with a mix of nuts and chocolate chips. I think brownies are everyone’s favourite cake especially chocolate brownies also it is like by all age group of people. Besides there are some other popular brownie like peanut butter, salted caramel, or mint chocolate which you can try on this day. Moreover, if you are a brownie lover then this article is for you.
History of National Brownie Day
The creation of brownies hales from the Palmer House Hotel in 1893. Bertha Palmer, a prominent Chicago socialite whose husband owed the hotel, asked a pastry chef for a dessert suitable for ladies attending the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition. Where she requested a cake-like delicacy small enough to be included in boxed lunches.
Palmer House Brownie with walnuts and an apricot glaze. The modern Palmer House Hotel serves a dessert to patrons made from the same recipe. The name was given to the dessert sometime after 1893, but was not used by cook books or journals at the time.
By 1907 the brownie was well established in a recognizable form, appearing in Lowney’s Cook Book by Maria Willet Howard as an adaptation of the Boston Cooking School recipe for a “Bangor Brownie”. Where, it added an extra egg and an additional square of chocolate, creating a richer dessert. The name “Bangor Brownie” derives from the town of Bangor, Maine, which legend states was the hometown of a housewife who created the original brownie recipe.
Maine food educator and columnist Mildred Brown Schrumpf was the predominant proponent of the theory that brownies were invented in Bangor. While “The Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink” refuted Schrumpf’s premise that “Bangor housewives” created the brownie, “The Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America” said it had discovered evidence to support Schrumpf’s claim, in the form of several 1904 cookbooks that included a recipe for “Bangor Brownies.”
| 1893 (A sweet confection) | The Palmer House Hotel created the Palmer House Brownie with walnuts and an apricot glaze |
| 1904 (“Bangor Brownies”) | Closer to the brownies we know and love today, Bangor Brownies were invented by housewives in Bangor, Maine. |
| 1914 (Brownie Scouts) | The Girl Scout Brownies group, originally called Rosebuds, was organized in 1914 by Lord Baden-Powell. |
| 1921 (Betty Crocker, an early chatbot?) | The Washburn Crosby Company created the character Betty Crocker to answer thousands of customer questions about baking. |
Recipe of Classic Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
How to make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Beat in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just mixed. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.
5 Fun Facts of Brownies
- Origins: Did you know that, the brownie was first created in the early 20th century in the United States? Also, it is believed that the Chicago pastry chef, was invented by a housewife who accidentally left out the baking powder, resulting in the dense, fudgy treat we know today.
- Versatile Treat: Also, Brownies can be customized with a wide range of ingredients, from nuts and chocolate chips to fruit and spices. This versatility allows for endless variations and flavour combinations.
- Fudgy vs. Cakey: Brownies come in different textures. Fudgy brownies are dense and moist, while cakey brownies have a lighter, fluffier texture. The texture is often influenced by the ratio of fat to flour and whether baking powder is used.
- Popular at Events: Brownies are a popular treat at bake sales, school functions, and parties due to their ease of preparation and transport. Their rich, indulgent nature makes them a crowd-pleaser.
- International Variations: Did you know that brownies have a variety of international treats? For example, in the UK, they are sometimes called “chocolate brownies” or “chocolate squares,” and in other countries, similar treats may be made with local ingredients and flavors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, brownies are a beloved and versatile treat with a rich history and endless variations which you can treat yourself at you home. Whether you prefer the classic fudgy version or enjoy experimenting with flavours and add-ins, National Brownie Day on December 8th is the perfect occasion to celebrate this indulgent dessert. Moreover, From its early 20th-century origins to its global adaptations, the brownie continues to delight people of all ages with its deliciousness and adaptability.
FAQs
Can I make brownies without eggs?
Yes, you can use egg substitutes such as applesauce, mashed bananas, yogurt, or commercial egg replacers. These substitutes can help achieve the right texture and moisture.
How can I make my brownies chewier?
To make brownies chewier, use more brown sugar, which adds moisture, or reduce the amount of flour slightly. Adding a bit of extra fat, like melted butter, can also enhance chewiness.
Can I add mix-ins to my brownie batter?
Yes! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, caramel swirls, or even dried fruit to the brownie batter. Mix-ins should be gently folded in to avoid overworking the batter.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Brownies are done when the edges are set and the center is just slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the centre should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Why did my brownies turn out dry?
Dry brownies can result from overbaking, using too much flour, or not enough fat. Follow the recipe closely and check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time ends.
Also, read more about National Cotton Candy Day – December 7, 2024
