Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Brownies for Father Scott


I have it on good authority that our friend Fr. Scott had a difficult day. And that he likes brownies. These are what I call the "real thing" - not cakey, not an imitation of fudge - just right. I believe the original source was the back of a Bakers unsweetened chocolate box, but now it's just the family recipe.

Old-Fashioned Fudge Brownies

4 squares Baker's unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup butter
4 large eggs
2 cups granulated white sugar
1 cup sifted flour (you can just shake it through a fine sieve)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x9" square metal baking pan.

Melt butter with the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave; cool slightly. Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating well after each addition. Blend in the chocolate mixture. Stir in the flour (or mix on lowest speed), making sure it is completely incorporated into the batter. Stir in vanilla and nuts. Bake 40 minutes in preheated 350 degree oven. There is no real test for "done"-ness, but brownies will be slightly separated from the sides of the pan and a slightly shiny, thin crust will form on the top. Be sure to cool brownies completely before cutting - or be prepared for a mess.

9 comments:

Frank Remkiewicz aka “Tree” said...

Allow me also to send KUDOS out to Father Scott. He tackles the throny issues and always comes out smelling like a rose. He is the epitomy of a priest caring for the flock -- not just the ones that come through the door -- but he does "feed my sheep".

Father Scott, you are one of the quiet ones toiling away in the fields of the Lord. May the Lord always bless and keep you!

Cany said...

I second Fred's thoughts!

And Lynn--the Food Goddess of TEC--this sounds amazing.

Lynn said...

I was hoping to post a recipe I have for brownies with miniature Reese's peanut butter cups hidden in the batter. It's probably for the best, all those extra calories...and Scott works so hard to keep his boyish figure!

Anonymous said...

Wow. I'm feelin' the love, folks. Thank you!

Not to stretch things out too far, but just a quick one from Chip's dad, the friend who was guiding him through the planning and the funeral, and me.

This came up in conversation on Monday afternoon:

Friend: "People want to help. They'll come up and say, 'Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help, but...'"

FrScott: "Yeah, I know, don't you wish they'd just do something - like bring brownies, you know?"

Dad: (eyes brighten, smiles)

FrScott to friend of Dad: (whispering behind hand) "Next time it happens, whisper to them and say, 'Bring him some brownies'"

(general chuckle)

Thanks again, even if it is going to cost me some extra time on the totaltrainer.

:-)

Fran Wingate O'Gorman said...

Fr Scott is definitely the real deal. Very special indeed. Don't know if you know the story how my son and daughter-in-law were looking for a church and found Christ Church in Norwich and Fr Scott and how by my attending there with them when visiting them that I found TEC to be the place I was meant to be? True story.
Oh those brownies sound wonderful.. have to give that recipe a try one of these days..

Fran Wingate O'Gorman said...

Wow I just missed your comment Fr Scott- that's a hoot! I guess brownies really ARE your thing!

Leonard said...

Being completely self-absorbed, selfish, self-will driven to the max...I'd like to take a moment to breath in and out and say GOOD WORK Fr. SCOTT...quickly followed up by WHY DOES HE GET EVERYTHING? I want those BROWNIES!

Pouting causes wrinkles and it's all your fault (and to think that I awarded Lynn and Fred a "Kick Ass" award...plotz, plotz, plotz!

Lynn said...

Leonardo, dear - since you feel left out, I am going to send you the Green & Black organic extra-dark chocolate bar I just bought.

Oops, it's too hot to mail it south. I'll just have to share with some other tall, dark and handsome fella instead :-) although the only regular visitor to my place these days is the UPS man, and I don't know what he looks like! He just leaves me presents to find when I get home in the afternoon.

(Did we thank you properly for the K-A award?) Sending love and prayers to the global center...

Leonard said...

See, it pays to get things off ones chest...no pain, no gain (well, you know what they say about UPS drivers?).