Maple Syrup Brownies

My long time readers already know all about my brownie confession. In case you missed it, the gist is that I like cakey brownies. I have no use or desire for fudgy and chewy brownies. Here's the other thing, I really don't believe you should eat your way to happiness but I can also tell you that some times a little chocolate really does make the world a better place. As a friend once told me, you bring your own weather to the picnic. Words to live by for sure but some days, a little chocolate makes a huge difference. Maybe I can blame it on pregnancy but then I would have to find another reason after the baby is born so let's just call a spade a spade and agree that chocolate is a delightful treat that has the ability to boost my mood.

Today I wanted something warm and chocolate but hot chocolate didn't have enough sustenance. I have some delicious chocolate truffles but I really was looking more for a comfort food. What's an easy, chocolatey comfort dessert? Brownies of course.

Since my kids were testing my sanity, I was more than happy to make some brownies that we could all enjoy together. Hello Google, let's see what recipes we can find together.

I found a few but they weren't exactly what I was looking for so I decided to wing it. I am amazed to report that it worked!

Cakey Maple Syrup Brownies
1/2 organic butter, melted
1 c. maple syrup
3 large organic eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/3 c. organic cocoa
3/4 - 1 c. organic all-purpose flour (I used 4 oz which is a little under 1 c.)
1/2 - 3/4 c. extras (coconut, nuts, chocolate chips)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Whip butter and maple syrup.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating between each addition.
4. Add vanilla.
5. Mix dry ingredients and add to wet mixture.
6. Bake in greased 8x8 pan or two bread pans for 30 minutes.

These were perfect! They were deliciously cakey, although if you would prefer fudgy brownies omit one egg and use only 3/4 c. flour. I added 3/4 c. of coconut because, well some times you feel like a nut and today was... the last day of recovery after the busy weekend.

I baked them in two bread pans so that there were more edge pieces, my favorite part of the brownie. I was so excited that this didn't require very much work or effort and cooked uniformly.

The kids and I ate the first pan as our afternoon snack and I am considering starting on the second pan now that they are in bed... yeah a little chocolate really can make your day a happier place.

Enjoy!