Is there a better pairing
than chocolate and peanut butter? Each one is pretty wonderful on its own, but together they make a taste sensation worth singing about. I have enjoyed this combination of lovely flavors in many forms, chocolate ice cream with peanut butter sauce, peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches and of course, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. I have even been known to scrape some peanut butter out of the jar, stick a few chocolate chips to the knife and lick it like a lollipop.
I was looking for something interesting to take to the preschool in honor of Lovie's 5th birthday. I'm so happy she doesn't attend one of those schools where they are scared of sweets and only allow you bring carrot sticks or pencils for your child's birthday. When I was a kid, the moms always brought cupcakes, and it was such a treat. Carrot sticks just don't seem as festive. I was looking for something that the 4 year olds would approve of, as they are a judgemental bunch. A cake seemed like too much, cupcakes are always good, but I don't like frosting them, and pencils are just too dull. I began the cookbook search, looking at the pictures, waiting for an inspiration. In Dorie Greenspan's Baking book, I came across her recipes for Brownies. Fudgy, chewy, the perfect size for small hands and everybody likes them. Plus, they are easy to make. All I need is a mix, 2 eggs and some water. My Mom studied Home Economics in college, where she learned that Brownies are a good thing to make with a mix. You can't make homemade ones as easily or inexpensively (hence the Economics part of the program), and they taste good. I know this advice could apply to lots of things I cook and bake, and usually I ignore it and go the authentic, homemade route. But when I'm making Brownies, I generally use the mix. Also, this makes sense. I can make Brownies out of the cookbook and spend 2 hours melting chocolate and gently mixing, or I can spend a dollar on a mix and be done in 30 minutes. I'm certain the 4 year olds won't mind the shortcut, they will have inhaled them in about 8 seconds anyway.
But they needed to be special, too. Finally, an inspiration! I made one huge Brownie and frosted it with fluffy Peanut Butter frosting (that I really did make from scratch). I cut it into slices and served it like a pizza. Delicious! Way better than a plain Brownie, the peanut butter was not too sweet and was a great contrast to the rich chocolate. If only we had milk. Maybe next year.
Peanut Butter Brownie Pizza
Brownie mix, prepared according to directions, or homemade, if you are an overacheiver, baked and cooled
1 cup Peanut Butter
1/2 cup Butter, softened
2 cups Powdered Sugar
Splash of Milk
Mix the peanut butter, butter and powdered sugar together. Add milk as needed to make a fluffy, speadable frosting. Spread over Brownies. Enjoy!
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