BEST BROWNIE MIX

I've been making mixes to send with my college son when he returns to school next week.  He will be living by himself in a dorm-like room, which means he has no kitchen.  But, he also has no meal plan, so he will be cooking for himself- with a microwave, toaster oven, and maybe a  Slow Cooker.  I'm not too worried, though, because I know there is a lot of good cooking that can happen with those three small appliances.

So far, I have made granola, mint coffee mix (recipe coming soon), and a homemade brownie mix.  We love this brownie mix.  The brownies can be made in the microwave, too, which is a plus for dorm life.

BROWNIE MIX

In a large bowl (at least 4 qt), mix together:

7 cups granulated sugar

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 cups cocoa

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon salt

With pastry blender, cut in:

2 cups shortening

Mix until mixture resembles coarse meal.

Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place or the refrigerator.

To make quick and easy brownies in the microwave to serve 1 - 2 people:

Stir together:  1 cup Brownie Mix

1 egg, beaten

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 tbsp chopped pecans (optional)

Pour into a greased 2 cup microwave safe container.  

MW on high 60-75 seconds.  Top will look a little moist.

To make larger batch in the oven, mix together:

3 cups Brownie Mix

3 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Put in a greased 9" square pan.  Bake at 350 degrees 35-40 minutes

I will have more recipes for dorm cooking the week of August 19, so check back or sign up to receive email notices.  I will have tips for college students that week, also.