Different Ways to Use Brownies

Serve brownies drizzled with hot fudge, strawberry pie filling and whipped cream for a classic dessert with an elegant touch.

Brownies are warm, chewy, fudgy squares made out of rich chocolate. They can also be made from savory ingredients for appetizers or added into main courses. You can also bake traditional brownies in non-standard ways for a playful twist on this classic American dessert.

Appetizers

Try something different at your next cocktail or holiday party, and serve brownie squares made from savory ingredients as appetizers or party finger food. For cheesy spinach brownies, preheat an oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, mix one 10-ounce package of cooked spinach, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. baking powder, two eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup melted butter, one chopped onion and one 8-ounce package of shredded mozzarella cheese, beginning with dry ingredients and then adding wet ingredients to the mix. Spread the mixture in a square baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool, cut into brownie squares and serve warm for a savory brownie appetizer.

Main Course Ideas

As food competition TV shows have demonstrated, chocolate--a main ingredient in standard brownie mixes--is a versatile food that complements a variety of sweet and savory dishes. Get creative with soups and stews by adding ¼ to ½ cup of dry brownie mix to the pot. The chocolate will enhance the taste of pumpkin or zucchini stews, bacon-based soups or creamy, spicy dishes. The flour in brownie mix will also act as a thickening agent in soups and stews.

Brownie Toppings

While brownies stand up on their own as a main dessert item, baked brownies can be crumbled and used as a topping to enhance the look and flavor of other desserts. Make and ice vanilla cupcakes, and dip into a bowl of crumbled brownies for a yummy chocolate topping with aesthetic appeal. Top an ice cream Sundae with brownie crumbs and drizzle with hot fudge for a decadent dessert. Brownie crumbs also make a tasty topping for bananas foster, vanilla pudding and fresh fruit cups.

Unusual Desserts

For a creative twist on standard brownie desserts, try baking brownies in new and unusual ways. Bake brownies in a standard baking pan, but instead of slicing into squares, use cookie cutters to cut cooled brownies into fun shapes for the kids. Gently push maraschino cherries 2 inches apart in a pan of uncooked brownie mix before baking for a sweet surprise. Fill brownie batter in flat-bottom ice cream cones instead of a pan before baking and top with sprinkles for a fun and playful brownie treat.

References

• All Recipes: Spinach Brownies
• Taste of Home: Brownies in a Cone Recipe