In 2005, my life changed forever. I had tasted the world’s most decadent brownie, a recipe graciously passed on from one of Mr. Prevention’s co-workers. Somewhere between Michigan-to-Italy-to-Oklahoma, that recipe has been misplaced. After ransacking our home in search of the sticky note scribbled with this most amazing brownie recipe, I was left empty handed. Brownie-less. The best brownie’s in the world were no longer mine to enjoy.
I pouted. There were tears. And then I got wise. I meditated on my actions in previous endeavors to create these most magnificent brownies. And finally, it came to me. Behold, something close to Gigi’s Big-O Brownies…
Big-O Brownies
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup Nestle chocolate chunks, divided
2 Tbsp canola oil
1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
8 ounces caramels, wrappers removed
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350º F. Spray an 8″ x 8″ pan with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Do not overcook.
While brownies bake, combine condensed milk and caramels in a sauce pan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Remove brownies from over and cover with melted caramel. Bake an additional 12-15 minutes until caramel is bubbly and slightly browned.
While brownies bake, melt 2/3 cup chocolate chunks and canola oil over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Remove brownies from oven and drizzle with chocolate sauce. Sprinkle with pecans and lightly press into brownies. Refrigerate 2+ hours before serving. Yield: 12 decadent brownies.
Nutrition Information (per brownie): Trust me when I say, you don’t want to know! Everything in moderation 😉
WARNING: THESE ARE DANGEROUS! Make them for a crowd!! A little portion goes a long way…they are RICH!!
Question: What’s the best dessert you’ve ever had?
We’re off to raft down the Tahlequah River with friends! I’m excited…and armed with SPF 50!
Happy weekend!
Good morning. Oh my god those look amazing! I have a great brownie recipe that has a rich, espresso flavor, but the top to those brownies looks like a must try!!
Have fun floating!!
So sorry you lost the original recipe…but these look awesome!!
haha, great warning!! I tend to make large batches of decadent sweets and desserts without anyone to serve them to. Haha, it IS dangerous! These look AMAZING. I thought maybe the O standed for Ohio. It does now…right?! No, you’ll have a BIT-O Buckeye recipe up here soon!
Those look delicious!
Oh my god are these dangerous. I need to find a party to go to just so I can make these.
Rafting sounds like super fun!
Oh Lordy those look sooooo delicious.
What, no nutrition analysis? No No No Don’t tell me!
Thanks for sharing!
Georgie Fear RD
Those brownies look incredible! Way to go on remembering the recipe. 🙂
The best dessert I ever had was in a cooking class I took the last time I was in New Orleans. We made bananas Foster and served it over home made vanilla ice cream. It was amazing and I’ve been trying to perfect my recipe ever since!
Brownies look so rich and beautiful
The brownies look amazing! I know hubby would love them! It’s been quite a while since I baked anything, I think I’ll surprise him with them! 🙂
I’m not a “big dessert person,” but I have had some truly amazing creme brulee (I always order it if it’s on the menu).
Have a great time rafting!
The brownies looks so moist and yummy.
The best dessert I’ve ever had…. simple custard! 🙂
Haha, love the name! Those look pretty much amazing!!
I hate when I lose special recipes–but ever since I lost one for my old Italian neighbor’s soup, I’ve been more meaningful to keep recipes organized. These do look incredibly good–I may have to make them for everyone at work 🙂
Have fun in the sun! Those brownies look decadent and dangerous! YUM!
Oh goodness, those brownies…thank you for the warning, haha!
Rafting is amazing, have a blast! 😀
DE-lish!!!
Desert is my FAVORITE meal of the day!~
Holy cow! Those look divine. And I am a sucker for rich desserts.
Those look so tasty!! The best dessert are probably my moms layer cookies. They are rich too and you just cut them into little squares and everyone loves them!!
Yes a crowd would be a must! I know my self control isn’t that great around chocolate at times.
Anything with sweetened condensed milk in it is a winner in my book! I love the fudgy layers on top… they make everything seem that much more rich and scandelous!
Holey Moley!! Those look chewy, delicious, wonderful, every other enthusiastic adjective available!
Bookmarked. Those look amazing.
OMG these are delicious! Took to work and got rave reviews. Thanks for sharing!!
Hehe.. 310 cals per 1/16! 🙂 But thats okay aslong as their good lol! 😉