Have you ever heard of saucepan brownies? I had never heard the term before I read it in a little booklet many years ago, although I had made brownies using this method before I knew of the term. They are sometimes also called one bowl brownies. The idea is that you melt the butter or margarine in a saucepan (or in the microwave) and then combine with the other ingredients. I have found that brownies or bars prepared by this method are usually very moist, dense, and chewy rather than cake-like.
These Congo Bars are an example of saucepan brownies. I was given this recipe by a student many years ago and we have enjoyed Congo Bars ever since. They are very rich and delicious, so cut them small and plan on sharing a plate of them with friends.
Congo Bars
2 1/4 cups brown sugar
2/3 cup butter or margarine (approximately 10 Tbsps.)
3 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1 cup chocolate chips
Melt butter or margarine. Add brown sugar and slightly beaten eggs. In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to first mixture and stir to blend and then stir in the chocolate chips. Spread in a 9" x 13" pan that has been greased and floured. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 mins. or until the bars test clean. Cool and cut into bars.
Here are the ingredients:
Here's everything mixed together:
Here they are ready to pop into the oven:
Since I was planning to give most of these bars away I lined the pan with non-stick foil instead of greasing and flouring it so I could remove the bars from the pan to make them easier to cut.
Give these a try if you need a quick, delicious bar recipe.
Becka
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on Apr 20th, 2010 at 7:12 am
What is non-stick foil? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of it.
on Apr 20th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Vivey, non-stick foil is a type of foil put out by Reynolds that is non-stick. You can find it near the regular foil. I tried it when it first came out and I got a great introductory offer. It really does work well for some things–like gooey brownies and bars. It has a special non-stick coating on one side.
on Apr 20th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
Well, I guess saucepan brownies are the only kind I’ve ever made. Since second grade – my mom would say “We need some brownies” and I’d get out a stick of margarine, three squares of chocolate, a saucepan, and then I’d get to work. Could probably quote the rest of the recipe by heart also!
on Apr 21st, 2010 at 10:31 am
A friend is having a bake sale to raise money for a mission trip to africa. The name of these is rather appropriate! And, easy, so I may make these for it. thanks!