Buttermilk Brownies

As you know, I am a complete choco-holic, as they say.  I love anything chocolate and enjoy making all different kinds of recipes using chocolate.   I remember coming home from school as a kid, and being so excited when I smelled cookies or brownies as I walked thru the back door.  This meant my  awesome mom had done some baking for our after school snack.  I love to surprise my kids with a special something after school, to me it shows them that I have been thinking of them during the day. It allows us time to sit at the kitchen island, talk about their day and laugh together.
Homemade brownies are so easy.....you always have the basic ingredients on hand!   These brownies are their favorite!  They are easy to mix up, and they knock those brownie mixes out of the park!  Moist, cake like and melt in your mouth....these are the best.

Start by mixing your dry ingredients together....flour, sugar and salt. 

Then combine water, oil and butter in a small saucepan...bring to a boil.  Let cool just a bit and then add to the flour mixture.

Mix well.  Now add the next three ingredients.....eggs, cocoa and vanilla.

Mix well.   Add buttermilk and soda....mix thoroughly.  I love this step as the batter looks swirly...

The buttermilk makes these brownies oh so moist and rich.
Pour your batter into a jelly roll pan, which is a large cookie sheet with sides.



Bake for 20 minutes or so at 350 degrees.  I like to rotate my pan half way through the baking time, just to ensure even baking.

This recipe comes with an incredible icing to add over the top, right as the brownies come out of the oven.  Sometimes I ice them, sometimes I just sprinkle the top with powdered sugar.  This cuts a bunch of calories and is a bit quicker.  Today, I just sprinkled with powdered sugar.

oh man, are these good!  And speaking of man....my husband just stopped home to grab some tax info and inhaled this one I had cut for the photo~!  And, a warning....be careful when you eat them, if you choose the powdered sugar route.  My dad always joked and called these suicide brownies....just don't INHALE when you go to take a bit or you choke to death!  :-)

BUTTERMILK BROWNIES
2 c flour
2 c sugar
1/4 t salt
Whisk together.
1 c water
1/3 cup oil
1 stick butter
Bring to a boil and add to dry ingredients.  Stir well. 
Add 2 eggs
3 heaping Tablespoons cocoa
1 t vanilla
Mix well.  Add 1/2 cup buttermilk and 1 t soda.
Stir until thoroughly combined.  Bake 20 minutes at 350 or until set.  Do not overbake.  Frost immediately out of the oven with this icing.
Bring 1 stick butter, 3 T milk and 2 T cocoa to a boil.  Remove from heat and add 1 t vanilla and 2-2 1/2 cups powdered sugar.  Whisk well.
Pour over brownies and cool completely.

Seriously, these are the best brownies I've ever made and they make a huge pan...Great way to make a treat for your family, and then take some to a neighbor or new mom.  Boot the box and go for scratch...your family will thank you!
Enjoy!
Stacey