A new study from the University of Cambridge touting the health benefits of chocolate sent me right to the kitchen last night to whip up a batch of brownies from a recipe in Olive's collection. The recipe, attributed to one Babe Gregware, is labeled (Best Recipe), so I just had to try it, health benefits or not.
The verdict? Excellent, very chocolate-y brownies. DH called them "old-fashioned," quickly adding "not in a bad way." They are not exceedingly sweet and have a lovely, fudge-like texture that hold together much better than more modern versions. The recipe didn't specify what size pan, so I used a 9 x 12 one, thinking that because of the four eggs, they would rise. But they didn't, yielding a thin brownie. I do think this recipe would work well in an 8 or 9-inch square pan if you want a heftier brownie.
Whenever chocolate is the star of a recipe, as it is in brownies, I suggest using a high quality product (like Scharfenberger or Valrhona) as opposed to Baker's. The result is well worth it and, after all, it's for your good health, so splurge a little.
