There are several different ways I go about searching and deciding on what recipes to try. Sometimes I choose dishes because I'm interested in a particular cuisine, or I find a different way to prepare food that I haven't tried before. Other times it's because I'm wanting to see how something tastes, and still others are chosen because they are quick and simple. I've even made dishes just so I could try out a new kitchen appliance or utensil.
And then there are those dishes that I try because of a feeling. Maybe it's because it was a favorite food when I was growing up, or something I found earlier in my adult life that brings back a good memory. Or, as in the case of this dish, it brings back a good memory for a friend.
I keep in touch with many of my former schoolmates from high school on social media, and one lady in particular named Debra had recently posted her excitement at finding a recipe of her mother's for a dessert that she absolutely loved growing up. She posted a photo of the worn paper it was written on, and later she rewrote it into the comments on her post. I felt it would be a nice gesture to try making it, partly as a way of helping her celebrate rediscovering her long-lost recipe, and partly because I don't often make desserts. I asked her if I could make it and post it here to share with everyone, and she quickly agreed, saying she thought it would be an honor for me to make it.
The honor is mine, Debra, and in that I also wanted to recognize your mom's work in handing it down to you by naming it here after her.
(There was some question about a note on the original paper regarding an icing; Debra explained that her mom referred to it as a cake but that it seemed more like brownies to her, and so "brownies" it is. Also, Debra had mentioned trying it with a caramel sauce, which I did and which you see in the photos.)
Adapted from Debra's mom, Pat
A gooey, delicious blondie-style brownie with apples and cinnamon. Re-created here and posted in tribute to a high school friend to celebrate rediscovering her mom's long-lost recipe.
Adapted from Debra's mom, Pat
Preheat oven to 325 F. Spray the inside of a 9 x 13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, combine butter, sugar, and eggs and mix thoroughly.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, and mix thoroughly.
Pour the butter mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture, and stir to combine. Fold in the apples and nuts (if used). Mix until well blended.
Pour the mixture into the casserole dish and spread evenly across the bottom.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool before cutting into squares. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving if desired.
Servings 24
Serving Size 1 brownie
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.