Sweet and Simple Brownies

Recipes:

(Jenny Harper) One of the first things I learned to bake was a pan of brownies. Since they're easier to make, I still rely on brownies when I need to quickly bake something sweet.

This fudgy treat is a rich reward for everyday occasions-and a great beginners' baking project. Moist, chewy brownies are suitable for potlucks, brown bag lunches, or for that "I forgot I was supposed to bring cookies!" occasion-anytime something sweet is called for.

Rich and Chewy Chocolate Brownies made with dark chocolate mix together quickly, and Rocky Road Squares are even easier with a fudge brownie mix. Make either in disposable pans for easy transport and cleanup.

Rich and Chewy Chocolate Brownies
Makes 2 dozen brownies

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
• 2  tablespoons water
• 2 bars (8 ounces) Nestlé Toll House Dark Chocolate Baking Bar, broken into small pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

MICROWAVE sugar, butter and water in large, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 3 minutes until mixture boils, stirring once. Add chocolate;  stir until melted. Stir in eggs one at a time until incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract. Add flour, baking soda and salt; stir well. Stir in nuts. Pour into prepared baking pan.

BAKE for 16 to 20 minutes until wooden pick inserted in center comes out still slightly sticky. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

SAUCEPAN METHOD:
HEAT sugar, butter and water in medium saucepan just to boiling, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Proceed as above.

Nutrition Information per serving: 130 calories; 70 calories from fat; 8 g total fat; 4.5 g saturated fat; 0 mg trans fat; 30 mg cholesterol; 70 mg sodium; 15 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 10 g sugars; 2 g protein; 2% DV vitamin A; 0% DV vitamin C; 0% DV Calcium; 2% DV Iron

Rocky Road Squares
Make 24 servings

• 1 package (19.5 to 21 ounces) fudge brownie mix
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, per package directions
• 2 large eggs, per package directions
• 1/2 cup Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk
• 1 cup (6 ounces) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

PREHEAT oven according to package directions. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

PREPARE brownie mix according to package directions, using vegetable oil and egg(s) and substituting evaporated milk for water. Spread into prepared baking pan.

BAKE according to package directions; do not over bake. Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with chocolate morsels. Let stand 5 minutes or until morsels are shiny. Spread evenly. Top with marshmallows and walnuts.

BAKE for 3 to 5 minutes or just until marshmallows begin to melt. Cool in pan on wire rack for 20 to 30 minutes. Cut into squares using a knife dipped in hot water.

Nutrition Information per serving: 230 calories; 120 calories from fat; 13g total fat; 3g saturated fat; 0g trans fat; 20mg cholesterol; 80mg sodium; 27g carbohydrate; 1g fiber; 18g sugars; 3g protein; 0% DV vitamin A; 0% DV vitamin C; 2% DV calcium; 4% DV iron

Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com.

Source: Nestlé