Why, yes, my brownies ARE delicious.

Well, yesterday afternoon with my girls was just so pleasant! So laid-back, so warm, so nice to sit outside in our backyard in the sunshine, so...delicious! There was so much yummy food on offer and I made myself sample at least two of everything! Plus approximately seven of my gooey, crunchy brownies (for my recipe, see the end of this post - you won't regret it!)

B3 received some gorgeous gifts and, I'm happy to report, nothing at all that was over-the-top or gotta-have-it. Just lovely, simple things that a baby would appreciate. And a baby's mum and dad. Thank you, fabulous friends and family...

Today brings another working week to us with many, many things to do. But first, do yourself a delicious favour and MAKE THESE BROWNIES!

You'll need:

150g (5oz) butter, chopped
125g (4oz) dark chocolate, chopped (I use Lindt or a good, organic chocolate)
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1.5 cups (375g/4oz) caster sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 cup (125g/4oz) plain flour
1/4 cup (30g/1oz) cocoa powder


1. Pre-heat the oven to 180C/350F). Grease a 20cm (8-inch) square tin and line the base with baking paper, extending over two opposite sides (to help lift the deliciousness out).

2. Bring a small pan of water to a simmer. Remove from the heat. Put the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl, place over the pan (don't let the base of the bowl sit in the hot water) and stir occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

3. Use a whisk to beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla together in a large bowl. Add the melted chocolate mixture and whisk together. Stir in the combined sifted flour and cocoa. Don't overbeat.

4. Pour into the tin and bake for 40 minutes* or until slightly risen and JUST firm. Leave to cool in the tin. Lift out to cut.

*NOTE: I have only ever baked my brownies for 20-25 minutes rather than the 40 suggested in the recipe. The trick, I find, is to cook them until the top is just firm to the touch, because it does continue to cook for a little longer, even when you take them from the oven. And this way, you get the yummy, gooey, soft centres that brownies should have. Otherwise they're just small chocolate cakes.

Happy baking!
B x