Brownies

QVCkitty1 · ‎05-23-2015

I always keep a brownie mix on hand and my hands down favorite is Ghirardelli. Recently I tried the Dolly Parton mix by Duncan Hines and was underwhelmed. The brownies just weren't as chocolately which is kind of the point of brownies, at least for me. The mix called for melted butter and I prefer using oil . I'll stick with Ghirardelli , how about you, if you've tried Dolly's mix , did you think it was special ?

" You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts."
Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Suzeecat · ‎05-05-2010

The Costco Ghirardelli mix is my go-to. In fact, I'm not allowed in my ladies' weekend getaway without a container-full, LOL!

msgb · ‎08-30-2010

We always keep a brownie mix in the house too. Mainly also for the fact that it is chocolate and there are times when you just crave chocolate. I know that there are some box mixes that we like more than others but I usually just pick up which ever is on sale at the moment and says--fudge or deep chocolate. Most of the time we add something to them (chips, mint patties, raisins, etc). I do know that most of the box mixes we have use oil and not butter.

Effie54 · ‎09-08-2010

Ghiradelli chocolate brownies are the best. Yum! When I make them, I don't use oil. I just can't stand the taste of oil in any of my baked goods. I either use butter, flavored Crisco, or real butter. Everything comes out so much better.

Big Joanie · ‎01-02-2015

YES .. the Ghiradelli are the best ....Yum

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

Katharyn Hepburn's Brownies
Just keep this and you won't need a mix! These are pantry friendly, super one-pot easy and very good!
Ingredients
½ cup cocoa or 2 squares (2 oz.) unsweetened baker's chocolate
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
1 cup roughly chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions
Melt butter with the cocoa or chocolate together in a heavy saucepan over medium low, whisking constantly till blended. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, salt and walnuts. Mix well.
Pour into a well buttered 8-inch square baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees for about 40 minutes till a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely and cut into squares. These brownies are very fudgy and may be somewhat difficult to slice cleanly; use a sharp knife and a spatula to help them loosen from the baking dish.

RollTide2008 · ‎02-14-2017

I think the Duncan Hines mixes require a little doctoring. I usually use butter instead of oil, add an extra egg, and use milk or coffee instead of water. I also add a capful of vanilla and sometimes some cinnamon and a handful of chocolate chips.

faeriemoon · ‎03-14-2010

I always use Ghirardelli too. I usually substitute milk for water, and I add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder, and a teaspoon of vanilla.

~What a terrible era in which idiots govern the blind.~ William Shakespeare

Ainhisg · ‎03-09-2010

@Sooner wrote:
Katharyn Hepburn's Brownies

Just keep this and you won't need a mix! These are pantry friendly, super one-pot easy and very good!

Ingredients
½ cup cocoa or 2 squares (2 oz.) unsweetened baker's chocolate
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
1 cup roughly chopped walnuts or pecans
Directions
Melt butter with the cocoa or chocolate together in a heavy saucepan over medium low, whisking constantly till blended. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, salt and walnuts. Mix well.
Pour into a well buttered 8-inch square baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees for about 40 minutes till a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely and cut into squares. These brownies are very fudgy and may be somewhat difficult to slice cleanly; use a sharp knife and a spatula to help them loosen from the baking dish.

@Sooner posted this recipe several months ago, and I am here to tell you that these brownies are the bomb! They are my favorite recipe, and I will never buy another mix again. You can also double the recipe and bake it in a 9 x 13 pan for a slightly longer time.