Dear Abby: I read that you have a sweet tooth. me too. That’s why I’m interested in your recipe booklets, especially those with dessert recipes.Which one in particular do you like? — Sweet tooth lover from Annapolis, Maryland
to the beloved ones: That’s a difficult question. It’s hard for me to choose just one recipe because I have a sweet tooth and a *slight* addiction to chocolate, but this is more information than you’re looking for.
The recipe below is one that I have enjoyed many times and have also made as a gift for a friend. Yields 4 1/2 dozen brownies (depending on how big you cut them) and freezes well. Warning: The first time I ate it, it gave me bulimia. After my third brownie, I was embarrassed to go back to the dessert table, so I snuck into the kitchen and begged for the recipe.
Others are also reading…
This recipe is included in my cooking booklet set. In addition to desserts, this booklet set includes lots of delicious crowd-pleasing recipes. To order, please send your name and address plus a check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby Cookbooklet Set, PO Box 447, Mt. Morris, IL 61054- 0447. Shipping and handling charges are included in the price.
If you’re a serious chocolate lover, this recipe is sure to make your toes curl. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line the bottom of an 18 x 12 x 2 (or 1) inch baking sheet with parchment paper and spray liberally with butter-flavored cooking spray.
Melt the butter and 4 ounces of chocolate in the top of a double boiler over medium heat. make a reservation.
In a large bowl, mix together the sugar and eggs until fluffy. Add flour and salt and mix well. Add chocolate mixture and mix thoroughly. Add nuts and vanilla and mix.
Pour into the prepared baking sheet. (Dough should be about 1/2 inch thick, no more.) Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is crispy and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before pouring frosting on top.
For the frosting: Bring the cream to a boil, stirring constantly. Place the chopped chocolate in a medium bowl. Pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and mix well. Spread a thin layer of warm frosting over the brownies in the pan. Once cool, cut into 2-inch squares.
Dear Abby: I don’t know how to react when someone I know socially just came from a political event about a candidate I hate so much that I can’t believe this person would support him. I don’t discuss politics so I’m curious why someone would mention something like this. You don’t want to make people think you agree by saying, “That’s great,” but you also don’t want to show your dislike and cause a discussion. Any ideas? — Thoughtful Man of the South
Dear All: If you want to avoid talking about politics, just say, “What else have you been up to lately?” You should smile when you say it and not be offensive.
Dear Abby Written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
