The Winning Brownie Recipe from "The Great Brownie Taste-off"

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2024

Ten years ago I wrote the first book in what would become a [so far] 4-book cozy mystery series. It was more sweet romance than cozy mystery, but I was pleased with the story and the second book in the series was a proper cozy mystery story.

The changes made to "The Great Brownie Taste-off" include removing some extraneous descriptions and backstory, getting rid of the magical secret ingredient, and having a more realistic relationship between Yolanda and Zac. And I kept refining that brownie recipe until I really liked it. It's not my favorite dessert or snack, but now I appreciate a good, hot brownie fresh out of the oven.

Please scroll down to see the recipe and watch the video tutorial.

The Great Brownie Taste-off Book Description

Cat shelter employee Yolanda Carter loves her job, but her dream is to own her own bakery. Living in Sherman Oaks, California with her tuxedo cat, her only outlet is baking treats for her friends, coworkers and family.

Her situation changes when her high school friend, Teagan Mishkin, drops by to tell her about an incredible job opportunity that will give Yolanda enough money to launch her bakery.

The job interview takes an unexpected turn and Yolanda stumbles across a scheme to close the cat shelter. She concocts a sweet plan to save the shelter and share her decadent brownies in the Great Brownie Taste-off. Assisted by her artisan parents, friends, and coworkers, will she win the taste-off and save the cats?

Click covers to read more!

THE WINNING RECIPE!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/2 cup [1 stick] unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 cup organic coconut palm sugar

  • 2 eggs [room temperature]

  • 1/2 cup [4 ounces] dark chocolate

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted

  • 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder, Dutch processed, sifted

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

  • Grease your pan with butter.

  • Sift the cocoa powder and flour together in a small bowl. Set aside.

  • Chop up chocolate if using a bar. Melt chocolate and butter together over a double boiler. Use low heat to ensure the chocolate doesn’t seize.

  • In a large bowl, add the sugar.

  • Add an egg, mix well, then add the second egg and mix well.

  • Stir in melted butter and chocolate mixture.

  • Gently fold in flour and cocoa powder, until combined. Add the vanilla extract.

  • Pour mixture into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let the brownies cool completely. Cut into squares.

  • Enjoy.

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