The brownie mix can be an incredibly versatile little pile of goodness. I know, I know, real bakers don’t use boxed mixes, but I’ve fooled everyone into thinking I’m a real baker. I just don’t tell them it’s a mix. Anyway, as delicious as the plain old boxed brownie mix (especially Ghirardelli—those folks are not messing around) can be, here are some ways to spice it up even more.
Andes Mints Brownies—You can probably find Andes “bits” in your grocery store’s baking aisle, right alongside the chocolate chips. Just follow the directions on your brownie mix, but add half a bag of Andes amazingness to the mix. Since I’ve first started doing this trick, Andes has come out with Peppermint Crunch baking chips, which are definitely going to make it onto my holiday shopping list.
Peanut Butter Cup Brownies—Along the same lines, you can also go the peanut butter route and add either peanut butter chips or Reese’s Pieces minis. This trick is especially delicious straight out of the oven, and you’re going to want to serve these with milk.
Turtle Brownies—Prepare your brownie mix as usual and pour it into baking dish. Then, drizzle some caramel syrup on top (I recommend Smuckers—it comes in a handy squeeze bottle and tastes divine). You can get fancy and swirl the caramel around with a fork or knife if you want. Then, top the brownies with pecans. Bake as usual and prepare to receive some praise!
Cream Cheese Brownies—Prepare your brownie mix as usual and pour into baking dish. Then, in a separate bowl, beat together one 8 oz. package of cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and 1 egg. Beat until smooth and then pour over top of brownie mix. Use a fork or knife to swirl the cream topping around. Then bake as usual.
S’mores Brownies—Add a few cups of mini marshmallows to your brownie mix. Then pour into pan. Crush 3-4 sheets of graham crackers and then sprinkle over the top of your brownie mix. Then bake as usual. This is a good one to eat warm, but make sure you have napkins!
Posted by Robin
