Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Lena’s Oatmeal Peanut Butter Brownies

A few weeks ago, I promised my son he could choose a treat, he decided on an inexpensive, boxed brownie mix. When I baked them, I realized that nothing is as good as brownies made from scratch. That inspired me to come up with a new chewy brownie recipe. I like putting a new spin on the classics, making my recipes a little bit healthier whenever possible.  Tonight the oven was on  so I could make a pasta bake for dinner; when the oven is on in the summer, I try to give it as much use as possible.

Note that although I use specific brands; feel free to substitute with more readily available ingredients.  I have found that cocoa powder comes in a variety of flavors, and switching it up will change the flavor of your brownies.  I also like to finish up items in my cupboard instead of throwing it out as I switch to healthier and organic options.

The best photo I could get with a camera phone.



 
Lena’s Oatmeal Peanut Butter Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder (I used medium dark cocoa from The Prepared Pantry)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup Quaker Quick Oats,
• 1/2 cup creamy Skippy peanut butter, melted.


Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 13x9-inch baking pan.

2. Combine sugar, butter and water in a large bowl. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract.

3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Stir into the wet mixture and blend well.

4. Stir in oats.

5. Spread into prepared baking pan.

6. Melt Skippy  using a coffee cup in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds.

7. Drizzle peanut butter over the brownie mixture, using a butter knife to swirl it to the bottom and edges.

8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.



Tips and suggestions to try:

  • Toss some crushed peanuts in the final mixing stage, or use chucky peanut butter to drizzle on top.
  • If you are using the butter and flour method in the pan, switch out flour and use cocoa powder instead.
  • Add a handful of your favorite flavor of baking chips, or crushed cookies during the final mixing stage, or sprinkle on the top during the last few minutes of baking.*
  • During the last few minutes of baking, remove the pan. Cover the top of the brownies with mini marshmallows and return to the oven until lightly brown (usually only 2-5 minutes).*
  • Add some melted peanut butter to the mix during the final minute of mix time.
  • After brownies are removed from the over, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top.*
*With these options, you can make a design on the top of the brownies for a special treat; stripes, hearts, initials, etc.





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