This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Brownies
Story and Photos by Nicolas Campana

Cooking in the kitchen with one’s parents is an experience some enjoyed as children; this is the inspiration for Brittany Horak, as she chooses to prepare peanut butter and chocolate chip brownies.

Horak, a junior marketing major from Harlingen, Texas, was attracted to St Mary’s because of the smaller classes.

“I feel as though I have a closer relationship with my professors, rather than having them lecture, and me sit there like a zombie,” she says.

She also notes that the smaller class sizes and student population, gives the campus an overall, friendlier feel.

When not baking, Horak enjoys a variety of foods. One day, she hopes to work for a company in Asia, since she enjoys Asian cuisine such as dim sum, teriyaki chicken and mochi ice cream.

Some of her true favorites though, are BBQ style ribs, fried okra, and squash.

This recipe was chosen out of a reoccurring problem Horak faces–she often has hiccup attacks.

“They last forever, occasionally hurt, and do get annoying,” Horak explains.

Therefore, she always has a jar of peanut butter on hand to combat the hiccups.

Because of this, as well as her love for peanut butter and cooking with her mother, she decided to make a peanut butter brownie that reflects the fun of being in the kitchen with her parents.

“It’s fun learning from my mom, how she learned from her mom, how we continue to bond through our food, and our experiences together.”

Horak advises to add 1/2 c brown sugar if a sweeter brownie is desired.

“Also, if they wanted, they could double the peanut butter added to increase the peanut butter taste,” she says.

Ingredients

• 1/2 c peanut butter
• 1/3 c butter, softened
• 2/3 c white sugar
• 1 c chocolate chips
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 c all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Using cooking spray or vegetable oil, grease a 9 x 9 pan. In a medium bowl, combine and mix softened butter and peanut butter. Gradually add and mix in chocolate chips sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl, and then stir into the rest of the mixture until well blended. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the sides are golden brown. Let cool then cut into 16 pieces.

Filed under: Class Projects, Desserts, Recipes | Tagged: Brittany Horak, brownies, chocolate chip, dessert, Nicolas Campana, peanut butter | 1 Comment »