Happy Monday friends! And happy new week, the last one in February…yay! Thanks for all your lovely feedback on my doggy story last week! Sounds like at least a couple of people are off in search of a foster dog. Awesome!
So here’s the thing. Maybe even a confession. Boxed brownie mixes have served me very well in life. Whenever I bring brownies to a potluck-y type thing, or contribute them for dessert, or serve them at home, I pretty much get compliments on them every time. It’s easy to keep a few boxes in the pantry and always be prepared to “bake” some. Once upon a time I used to be mortified when people asked me to share my recipe and I would evade the issue any way that I could. But those days are long over, I’m less proud than I was I guess. And now you all know too… I make my brownies from a mix. There you have it. Judge me if you will.
Not too long ago though, I was working on a photo shoot for a brownie recipe, and I heard about this game changing idea: Instead of adding water to the brownie mix, as per the package instructions, SUBSTITUTE IT WITH ESPRESSO. Wow. Awesome, right? The slight change takes these already perfect brownies and elevates them to a whole other level by adding a very subtle mocha flavour. The mix I use calls for a quarter cup of water, and a shot of espresso from our machine is pretty much a quarter cup. (Sometimes there’s a sip left for me.) It’s like it was meant to be… a match made in heaven. Espresso powder mixed into hot water works just as well.
So, now I’ve let you in on all my little secrets. What are yours? Is there a quick and easy
(By the way, this is the brand of brownie mix I use, and I hear rave reviews about this one too. But if you already have a favourite then why not stick with it.)
Anyone for an espresso brownie?
xo andrea
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