Month: April 2020

Happy Hour Gets Earlier and Earlier

Tuesday. April 14, 2020

A New Reality

 

We have a dear Uncle who lives in Denver.  He mentioned earlier in this pandemic crisis that Happy Hour seemed to arrive earlier and earlier every day.  We can now, easily, relate!!

This morning, I was thinking oatmeal sounded good for breakfast.  As I hunted in the pantry for the oatmeal, I spotted the Bourbon Brownies.  These brownies were made by a friend for Easter dessert.  The friendly baker delivered them to friends and neighbors!  (And yes, I assure you, strict social distancing was observed!)  But my narrative wanders….to continue:  my eye paused as I saw the brownies sitting on the counter.  WHY NOT????

Add a dish of fruit…..and voila!….an almost healthy meal, delightful for breakfast!  Now remember, the alcohol evaporates in the oven.  Only the flavor remains.  None-the-less, with the flavor and that lovely aroma, we enjoyed a very, very festive breakfast!

 

A Very Festive Breakfast

 

Happy Hour definitely started early today!!

 

Betsy’s Bourbon Brownies

Makes 16-20 brownies

1/3 cup butter

  1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar

  1/2 cup chopped pecans

2 tablespoons water

   2 to 3 tablespoons bourbon

1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces

    3 tablespoons butter, softened

2 eggs

    1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 to 3 teaspoons milk

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

   1/4 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

  1 oz. semisweet chocolate, melted

 

  1. Grease an 8x8x2-inch baking pan, set aside.  In a medium saucepan, combine 1/3 cup butter, the granulated sugar, and water.  Cook and stir over medium heat just until boiling.  Remove from heat.  Add the 1 cup chocolate pieces; stir until the chocolate is melted.  Stir in eggs and vanilla, beating lightly with a spoon just until combined.  Stir in flour, baking soda and salt.  Stir in Pecans.   Spread batter into prepared pan.
  2. Bake in a 350 degree oven about 20 minutes or until edges are set and begin to pull away from sides of pan.
  1. Using a fork, prick the warm brownies several times.  Drizzle bourbon evenly over brownies, cool in pan on wire rack.
  1. For frosting, in a small mixing bowl beat the 3 tablespoons butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well.  Slowly beat in 2 teaspoons of milk and the vanilla.  If necessary, beat in remaining milk to reach spreading consistency.  Spread over brownies; drizzle melted chocolate over frosting.

 

Cheers!!!