National Brownie Day
On December 8 we celebrate the perfect cross between a cake and a cookie, it is National Brownie Day! No one can resist the gooey decadence of a Brownie, whether it is a chocolate one or a blondie.
With endless recipes and variations, there is a Brownie for everyone. So, on this day, allow yourself to indulge in this delicious dessert, homemade or bought from your favorite bakery.
National Brownie Day is an unofficial holiday in the United States, but some businesses offer some deals for free Brownies. So don't forget to check your local bakeries and treat yourself!
Fun Fact
National Have a Cookie Day is another fun day that is celebrated on February 10 every year.
National Brownie Day Origin
The origins of National Brownie Day are unknown, but it is very likely that it was created by a Brownie lover, who realized that this much-loved dessert needed a whole day to be celebrated.
Not only are Brownies delicious, but they are also very simple to make! Everyone has their favorite Brownie recipe, whether it has been passed down through generations, or they just found it on the internet.
It is known that Brownies have been around in America since the 20th century. However, no one can agree on how and when they were first created, so there are a few legends about the origins of this chocolaty treat.
There is no definite information about when these delicious items came to be known as brownies. All we know is that the term 'brownie' first appeared in the Sears, Roebuck, and Co. catalog in 1897.
Where did the Brownie originate?
One of the most well-known stories about the origin of the Brownie goes all the way back to 1893 in Chicago. Legend says that Bertha Palmer, the wife of the owner of the Palmer House Hotel, asked the hotel's pastry chef to create a cake that would easily fit into a lunchbox, and be suitable for the ladies attending the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
The chef baked a dessert with chocolate, walnuts, and an apricot glaze that became known as the Palmer House Brownie, which is still sold today.
Others believe that the Brownie came about because of a baking mishap of a housewife in Maine. The story goes that a lady was trying to bake a chocolate cake, but the cake didn't rise. However, she still decided to serve it and it was a success. The recipe was printed in many cookbooks published in 1904 as "Bangor Brownies", and mentioned in Maria Willet Howard's cookbook in 1907.
America's Favorite Dessert
Brownies quickly became one of America's favorite desserts, and many families have their own classic recipe. Quickly scour the internet and you will soon see how many recipes there are! The truth is there are so many things you can add to your brownies to make them unique and special: caramel, peanut butter, walnuts, pistachios, raspberries... the possibilities are endless.
Basic brownie knowledge
- What do you drink with your brownie? According to studies, 40.7% of Americans drink coffee, whilst 12.93% drink tea.
- Brownies are available in 21.35% of restaurants.
- The three most popular ingredients Americans use to complement their brownies are: berries (30.53%), beer (15.77%), and chocolate chip (14.66%)
Mastering Perfect Brownies: A Guide to Baking Success with Expert Tips
When crafting perfect brownies, understanding the chemistry of baking is crucial for success.
- Dark cocoa is generally preferred to light cocoa for brownies. Although taste is a subjective thing that depends on one's preference, dark cocoa gives the brownie a richer and more intense chocolaty taste.
- A lot of brownie recipes require you to melt the butter and chocolate together at the beginning. Overheating might cause the fat to separate from the chocolate as a result of which a film might form on top. There is no need to worry as you can fix it by whisking it rapidly and cooling it.
- For melting chocolate, the preferred method among bakers is the double boiler technique, ensuring a smooth and controlled process. So what exactly is the double boiler technique? It is when bakers use two pans, the lower pan containing water and the top one containing chocolate on a low flame.
- Avoid the pitfalls of mushy or greasy brownies, which may result from insufficient baking time, excessive sugar, a high chocolate ratio, or the absence of eggs. If your brownies turn out this way, a simple solution is to extend baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Do not simply dispose of the crusty layer of overcooked brownies. The crumbs are useful as a garnish for desserts, topping for fruit salads, and many more. There is no end to creativity!
How to celebrate National Brownie Day
It couldn't be easier to celebrate this day, just treat yourself to a Brownie!
- Get to work and bake your all-time favorite classic Brownie recipe, fudgy and warm. Add some ice cream to have the full Brownie experience.
- Take your freshly baked brownies with you into the office or staffroom, and share a bit of the love with others.
- Not a fan of baking? Visit your local bakery or coffee shop and just buy a Brownie or two. With luck, you'll come across some great National Brownie Day deals.
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