Each year on December 8^th, brownie lovers across the nation enjoy a well-known popular treat – the brownie!  There are many different kinds of brownies, such as the blonde brownie, the cheesecake brownie, the chocolate mint brownie, and the cherry swirl brownie, just to name a few.  However, in the United States, the chocolate brownie is known to be the favorite, with the blonde brownie a close second.

While little is known about how National Brownie Day originated, brownies have been a go-to dessert since they appeared in cookbooks in the 19^th century.  Brownies can be cakey, fudgy, or chewy. They can also be made with dark or milk chocolate or can be made with frosting or without. They can also be customized to follow the current food trends such as gluten free, vegan, or low-carb.

The best way to observe National Brownie Day is to make and enjoy some warm fudgy brownies.  Be sure to invite friends and family to enjoy them with you too.  Pour a glass of milk and maybe add a scoop of ice cream.  An added way to celebrate would be to share your recipe on social media using the hashtag #NationalBrownieDay

Below is a quick and easy brownie recipe to try:

1 cup butter melted                 4 eggs

2 cups white sugar                   1 ½ cups all purpose flour

½ cup cocoa powder                ½ teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract       ½ teaspoon salt

½ cup walnut halves

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9X13 inch pan

Step 2: Combine the melted butter, sugar cocoa powder, vanilla, eggs, flour, baking powder              and salt. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.  Decorate with walnut halves.

Step 3: Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center          comes out with crumbs, not wet. Cool on wire rack and enjoy!

For more brownie recipes, be sure to stop in the Bellevue University Library and browse in the cookbook section.  The call number range for cookbooks is between TX713-TX833. If you need assistance, a friendly, helpful member of the library staff will be happy to assist you. Library books may be borrowed for 3 weeks.