Family Treats

I was visiting with Bill's mom about family recipes- namely the brownies that have to be the best brownies I have ever tasted. They are sort of a combination between a traditional brownie and fudge. Super chocolatey, but not gooey at all.  Please, trust me on this, despite all of the Facebook posts telling you that they have the best brownie recipe (usually complete with 6 different kinds of chocolate candy and a box mix of something or other), THIS recipe is the best. brownie. recipe. EVER.

I would have taken a picture, but they were gone too fast.

Alas, I will share the family recipe with you! And with me, so I can return here to find it.

Mary Ella Mintkens* Brownies

1c butter, softened
2c sugar
4 eggs
4 squares melted semi-sweet chocolate
1 1/2 c flour
1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1c nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 x 13 pan.

Cream together butter and sugar, and add the eggs. When combined completely, add the melted chocolate and mix until integrated.  Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl, and gradually add to the wet ingredients. Beat at medium speed for 1.5 minutes. Stir in the nuts, if desired.

Transfer to baking pan and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

* We have no idea who Mary Ella Mintkens is, but we love her for sharing her recipe so many years ago with Bill's grandma, Virginia.

When those amazing brownies are cooled, you will want to frost them with the best frosting in the universe:

Fudge Frosting
Mix in a saucepan:
2 oz unsweetened chocolate, cut in to small pieces
1 1/2 cups sugar
7 tablespoons of milk
1/4c butter
1T corn syrup
1/4 t salt

Bring all ingredients to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.  Boil 1 1/2 minutes.  Cool, and add 1t vanilla.  Beat until thick.

Ginger Snaps

I am not a huge fan of these, but my husband is, and so are my kids. Bill's mom keeps everyone in good supply, but it's time I make them myself, I think!

1c molasses
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 c shortening
1 t ginger
1 t cinnamon
pinch nutmeg
pinch cloves
3 1/4 c flour
1 t salt

Heat the molasses with the shortening, until the shortening is melted. Combine the remaining ingredients in a stand mixer, and add the molasses and shortening.
Shape into 3 long rolls, and wrap in wax paper.  Chill overnight.

Slice thin and bake at 375 for about 10 minutes.

Ice thinly with powdered sugar icing.