OMG! Excellent Brownies with Long Island Tea

My family didn't do a lot of baking. Most of the baking I learned was in home economics, or from my friends' parents. Brownies can be a little tricky even if you follow the recipe to a T. Given the type of oven, and temperature sometimes it takes making a couple of batches to get it just right. But, don't worry! One of the key things about brownie batter is that it is supposed to be thick. If your batter is too easy to stir then your doing it wrong. This is only half the battle, but a good start.

When I make my brownies and pour them in the pan, after I spread it in the pan, I like to take my fingers down the middle of the batter, short strokes outwards, lightly on the top, right down the middle of the pan. It seems to make it bake more evenly. Just a little trick I learned in cooking class. No recipe is going to tell you that. It doesn't work for everything ,though. I think it's because brownie batter is so thick. Don't check it a lot because that requires that you open the oven door. Show some restraint, and let the oven do its thing. It takes less time in an electric oven than in a gas one so, you just have to watch it. If you have a window in your oven door, you're lucky!

Brownie Recipe

2 squares, 1 oz each, unsweetened chocolate

1/3 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 tsp vanilla

3/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat chocolate and shortening in 2 quart sauce pan over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted, remove from heat. Mix in sugar, eggs, vanilla. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Spread in greased pan, 8x8x2 inches.

Bake until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan, cool slightly, cut into squares about 2 inches. Makes about 16.

Frosting for Brownies

This frosting is really great. I got a lot of compliments on it! But, if you are looking for speed you need to stick with store bought that you can store. It's good but you can't store it for long.

My daughter's never liked nuts in or on their brownies so I always put chocolate chips on them instead. Let it cool just a bit before sprinkling them on.

Recipe for frosting

3 tbsp shortening

3 squares, 1 oz each, unsweetened chocolate

2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

Heat shortening and chocolate in sauce pan over low heat until melted. Stir in remaining ingredients, beat until smooth. Place pan of frosting in a bowl of ice and water. Continue beating until frosting is smooth, and of spreading consistency. Stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts if desired.

This fills and frosts 2, 8, or 9 inch layers, or a 13x9 inch cake.

Long Island Tea

As a matter of fact, I first found out about this drink when I went out of town for a funeral. This restaurant that has an upstairs patio. It was in the fall, so when it got dark the temperature went down, they lit the outdoor fireplaces. The most enjoyable, mellow time I ever had. It was magical. I don't remember the name of the restaurant but, it was Mexican. The nachos were great!

Please pace yourself. You know that saying about if you eat you won't get as drunk? Well, that's bull! It doesn't really matter as far as the drunk part is concerned. You may not get as dizzy, but, no, that's a myth, and yes, it's not good to drink on an empty stomach. Moderation is key, so be smart about it, and responsible. After all, this drink is pretty packed. So good with these brownies, though!

Recipe

3/4 oz Gin

3/4oz White Rum

3/4oz Silver Tequila

3/4oz Vodka

3/4oz Triple Sec

3/4oz Simple Syrup

3/4oz Fresh Lemon juice

Cola to top

Lemon wedge or slice

Collins glass

Add all ingredients except the cola into a Collins glass with ice. Top with a splash of cola and stir, briefly. Garnish with a lemon wedge or slice.

Easy, no nonsense recipe for this drink. I went to a party where they served this with brownies for the dessert. They really go good together, very delicious! Again, this is for 21 and over. Please do not drink and drive. Have a designated driver. Use your head, always, when you are around alcohol. When you drink you involve everyone. Save a life, and think about what you're doing. It's not enjoyable if you kill someone. Not trying to harsh your good time, just want everyone to be responsible.