Mom Binney’s Brownies: A Taste of Home

Brownies, for me, have always been more than just a dessert. They’re a symbol of warmth, comfort, and the simple joys of life. I remember as a child, the intoxicating aroma of chocolate wafting from my grandmother’s kitchen, signaling that a batch of her famous brownies was underway. Each bite was a melt-in-your-mouth experience, a sweet escape that transported me back to those cherished moments. Those memories are the gold standard by which I judge every brownie, and trust me when I say that Mom Binney’s brownies stand shoulder to shoulder with those nostalgic squares of chocolatey goodness.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yields: 1 11×15 pan
• Serves: 32
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sugar
• 8 tablespoons cocoa
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Icing

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup margarine
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 1/4 cup milk

Equipment Needed

• 11×15 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 11×15 inch baking pan thoroughly. This is crucial to prevent the brownies from sticking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and baking powder.

3. Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and water to the dry ingredients.

4. Stir well to combine all ingredients until you have a smooth, well-mixed batter. Make sure there are no pockets of dry flour.

5. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared 11×15 inch pan, spreading it evenly.

7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, they are done. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry brownies.

8. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Icing Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, margarine, cocoa, and milk.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until it boils.

3. Once boiling, stop stirring and let it boil for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes without stirring. This is a crucial step for achieving the right consistency.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat quickly and place it in the sink in cold water, just to cover the bottom of the pan. This will help to cool the icing down quickly and prevent it from becoming too thick.

5. Beat the icing well with a whisk or electric mixer until it thickens to a spreadable consistency. This happens quickly, so keep a close eye on it.

6. Spread the icing quickly and evenly over the cooled brownies.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cocoa Quality Matters: Using high-quality cocoa powder will significantly enhance the chocolate flavor of your brownies. Experiment with different types of cocoa, such as Dutch-processed cocoa, for a richer, darker flavor.

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: While this recipe doesn’t explicitly require it, using room temperature eggs can help create a smoother batter.

• For fudgier brownies: slightly underbake them.

• For cake-like brownies: Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Icing Consistency: The icing can be tricky. If it’s too thin, return it to the saucepan and heat it gently for a few seconds, then cool again. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

• Adding a touch of espresso powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These brownies are delicious served as is, but they can also be elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

To store leftover brownies, cut them into individual squares and place them in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for 2-3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. If freezing, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

To reheat frozen brownies, thaw them at room temperature for 30-60 minutes or microwave them for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	195 kcal	10%
Total Fat	10 g	13%
Saturated Fat	2 g	10%
Cholesterol	27 mg	9%
Sodium	103 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	25 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	4%
Sugars	19 g	38%
Protein	2 g	4%

Variations & Substitutions

• Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts altogether for a nut-free version. You can replace the walnuts with chocolate chips or other toppings, or leave them out completely.

• Gluten-Free: While this recipe wasn’t designed to be gluten-free, you can experiment with substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. Be sure to follow the specific instructions on the gluten-free flour package.

• Extra Chocolatey: Add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra dose of chocolate.

• Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking for a delicious peanut butter chocolate combination.

• Espresso Boost: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use butter instead of margarine in the icing?
A: Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in the icing. Butter will give the icing a richer, more buttery flavor.

Q: Can I use a different size pan?
A: While an 11×15 inch pan is recommended, you can use a different size pan. Keep in mind that the baking time will vary depending on the size of the pan. For a smaller pan, you may need to reduce the baking time.

Q: How do I prevent the brownies from sticking to the pan?
A: Grease the baking pan thoroughly with butter, shortening, or cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out of the pan after baking.

Q: Can I add other toppings to the brownies?
A: Yes, you can add other toppings to the brownies, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or chocolate shavings. Add the toppings after frosting the brownies.

Q: Why is my icing grainy?
A: Grainy icing can be caused by undissolved sugar crystals. Be sure to stir the icing constantly while it is heating to ensure that the sugar dissolves completely. If the icing is already grainy, you can try adding a teaspoon of corn syrup or lemon juice to help smooth it out.

Final Thoughts

Mom Binney’s brownies are more than just a dessert; they are a taste of home, a comforting indulgence that brings joy with every bite. This recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers yet yields truly decadent results. I encourage you to try this recipe, share it with your loved ones, and create your own sweet memories. Serve these brownies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for the perfect treat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make them your own. Happy baking!