You know what they say…the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Despite my husband telling me it’s really through the Victoria’s Secret catalog, I know he always feels the love when I make him his favorite foods — like super fudge-y, fresh-from-the-oven brownies, for example.
Nothing says “I love you” like a fresh brownie, I always say!
Today, I’m sharing a super-easy, from-scratch brownie recipe as a part of a special Valentine’s Day blog tour.
I’ve teamed up with 13 bloggers bringing you special craft and decor ideas to help you celebrating the season of LOVE.
A few years ago my husband learned that he had high triglycerides and his doctor put him on cholesterol lowering medication.
As a result, he became determined to get off of medication by making changes in his diet and amping up his exercise routine. After some research he decided that — among other things — he wanted to cut out any food that had the words “partially hydrogenated” in its ingredient list. When grocery shopping, I became an avid label reader and quickly discovered that many processed and convenient foods (like baking mixes) contained those words.
So, I went back to the basics and started cooking and baking from scratch omitting all kinds of things like shortening, pre-made mixes, seasoning packets, etc. So, that meant when we wanted a special treat — like brownies, for example — there would be no more boxes.
At first, I was a little intimidated but I was totally surprised to learn that making brownies from scratch is almost as easy as making them from a box. Who knew?!
I’ve tried a few different recipes but I like this one for its flavor and its simplicity — anyone can make them! To me, it’s very similar to many of the box mixes we liked so much — they’re very fudge-y and chocolate-y.
You can find the brownie recipe here.
I didn’t tweak it or change it and it is easy peasy.
In honor of Valentine’s Day I baked my treats using little heart-shaped tins I bought at WalMart a few years ago. Sometimes I frost my brownies, but today I just sprinkled them with a little powdered sugar and dove right in.
When the kids came home from school they immediately noticed the warm aroma of brownies and were not only thrilled by the prospect of a warm, fresh-baked treat but loved the fact that they were heart-shaped.
Life sure is about the simple pleasures, isn’t it?
Be sure to check out the other lovely ladies sharing special Valentine’s Day ideas and get inspired this week!
Monday, February 3rd:
ARTSY CHICKS RULE
HOUSE ON THE WAY
FRESH IDEA STUDIO
GIRL IN THE GARAGE
Tuesday, February 4th:
WHAT MEEGAN MAKES
JUST PAINT IT
POSTCARDS FROM THE RIDGE
Wednesday, February 5th:
PETTICOAT JUNKTION
DIO HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Thursday, February 6th:
SWEET PEA
CURB ALERT
MOMMY IS COOCOO
SIMPLY FRESH VINTAGE
Sharing at: Between Naps on the Porch Savvy Southern Style
I love brownies and haven’t made a batch in a long while. Cutting them into hearts for Valentine’s Day is a great idea!
These are so adorable and look so delicious! I could really use one of these right now it would go nice with my hot cocoa!
YUM! My kids will love this recipe. Perfect for a Valentine’s Day treat! It’s been a pleasure to be on this tour with you.
Have a great week.
Leslie
So cute and looks so yummy
Julie, now you have me wanting a brownie! The boys are sitting next to me and just asked me to make these for them.
I’m not much of a baker but I’ll have to check out the recipe- thanks!
Oh Julie, They look so yummy. You just can’t go wrong with chocolate and powdered sugar! Glad to be part of the tour with you!
Adorable! And perfect for Valentine’s…yummy
Nancy
Julie, these look amazing! I love brownies! And I’m cracking up at your comment about your husband and the Victoria’s Secret catalog. I guess all men are the same! Have a great week! ~ Angie
What a sweet chocolate-y treat! Yum! And, it’s heart shape is adorable.
Yummy and pretty! We make most things from scratch just because… However, brownies always come out of a box because they are so easy and good. You might have just convinced me though that these are delicious and so much healthier.
Aw, I LOVE these brownies. I can almost smell them from over here in NV!! Thanks for the recipe-worth trying for sure! What a fun mom you are.
Happy Vlentines day, my frined!
Hi Julie,
I checked out this recipe, and these brownies look delicious and easy peasy, just like you said.
Brownies are one of my favorite desserts, and I like the heart shape for Valentine’s Day. I love your pink and white plate, by the way! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Visiting from Met Monday — have a great day!
Denise