These brownies are the perfect comfort dessert. Gooey, chocolatey, marshmallowy, goodness. So, if you're staying in for a while, why not make a batch of these sinful, and delicious brownies.
I went to the store after work the other day, and what should have been a 10 minute in and out shopping errand, took over 30 minutes. I was a little taken aback by seeing all the shoppers with carts full of goods. I found myself needlessly buying a few things in a minor reaction to the panic. In the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak, people have been hoarding all sorts of items, like toilet paper, Kleenex, hand sanitizer, hand soap, and water. Customers had grocery carts full of supplies in case they have to stay in. Of all the items though, I don’t get why people are stocking up on sugar. And then it dawned on me. Baking is comfort cooking, and that is what we need right now.
I was amazed that there was no sugar in the baking aisle. I mean, the obvious aisles were demolished. Toilet paper, hand soap, pasta, pasta sauce, soups. There were shortages of chicken and ground beef. Though ground turkey, sausages, hot dogs, and pork were stocked. There was a fair amount of seafood available too. There were other items that were perfectly untouched. Condiments, salad dressings, shelves of Mexican and Asian products, coffee, and teas, were all there in abundance. Even the laundry aisle was brimming with products, yet cleaning supplies for the bathroom was hit hard. Are people not going to wash their clothes or wash their dishes? I shake my head at the craziness of this all.
And oddly, the liquor aisle was still intact. I mean, if I'm going to be stuck at home for days on end I am for sure going to have a cocktail, or a glass of wine to help numb the insanity of this all.
The produce section, however, was beautifully unscathed. Perfect rows of apples, avocados, and oranges were on display. Leafy greens were piled high, and so were peppers, zucchinis, and carrots. The bread aisle, bakery, and deli were barely touched. I found this glimpse into what people feel they need during a pandemic most interesting. People were buying shelf-stable items like they were going to have to bunker down in a real bunker. The grocery stores are not going to close. People will be able to get what they need. I fear that the people who really need things won’t be able to get them now.
Pressed for time, and too tired to cook when I got home from the store, our doomsday dinner that night was a box of Kraft mac n' cheese. I don't mean to sound like I'm knocking the beloved, boxed, mac n' cheese. I love it just like any 8 year old! What is funny about this is that you all know I love to cook, and yet, I was somewhat forced to make boxed mac n' cheese because of the circumstances. Sometimes we have to make these choices. I know I could probably have made a better choice. But mac n’ cheese is one of the most comforting foods. Boxed or homemade. Am I right?
I have a pantry full of seasoning, oils, and vinegars, but I didn't have any meat, chicken, or fish. I don't usually keep those in the freezer. I buy fresh and make in a day or two from when I bought it. As far as fresh vegetables, I tend to buy those in the same way too. I just didn’t see this coming. Will this change how I buy groceries in the future? I’m really not sure.
So, comfort baking is trending while we are all tucked away in our homes. Now is the time, since you have the time, to get in your kitchens and start making those dishes and baked goods that you’ve always wanted to tackle. Maybe you have really wanted to try to make bread, or learn how to make pasta. I am all for it! Cooking and baking are bringing families together in this crazy time.
I am not joining the masses of panicked people. Practice social distancing, wash your hands often, don’t touch your face, know the facts, and be smart. So, if your life is a little upside down right now, I say, stay calm, stay in if you must, and make these brownies!
NOTE: I wrote this post about a week ago, the day after the president announced the pandemic. The situation at the grocery stores has gotten much worse, since then. Stores are still not stocked and people are worried. Please do not hoard.
Until next time, my friends! xo
Gooey Sticky Brownies
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
Butter (or use canola or vegetable oil) a 9 x 9 baking pan. Mix the first five ingredients together. Add eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix well. The batter will be thick. Add half of the batter to the prepared pan. Smooth out the batter with the back of a spoon, or an offset spatula. Add marshmallows and chocolate chips on top of the batter, then add the rest of the batter over the top of the marshmallows and chips. It is best to keep the marshmallows away from the edges of the pan. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. The edges of the brownie will be cake-like, and the center will be gooey and sticky. Cool in pan. Turn brownies out onto a cutting board. Dust with powdered sugar. Slice and serve.
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