Sunday, December 7, 2014

An Actor's Pantry - CRACK BROWNIES

After an extremely emotional break-up in 2004, I found myself once again searching for healing among the pages of self help books. This time it was It's Called A BreakUp Because It's Broken by Greg Bernhendt & Amiira Ruotola-Behrendt. What I didn't expect to find was a recipe that would soon become my favorite to prepare and the favorite of everyone who tasted this unique blend of flavors. I love to watched people try to figure out the ingredients and then they ask for the recipe.
By the way, despite the title no illegal substances are ever used in the preparation of this tasty treat! After your first bite, I'll let you tell me why they are called Crack Brownies.
Fresh out of the oven!

50 light caramels
1/3 cup skim evaporated milk                                                     
1 package German chocolate cake mix
3/4 cup melted butter (not margarine
1/3 cup skim evaporated milk (yes, another 1/3 cup)            
2 cups milk chocolate chips (or semisweet)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In heavy saucepan, combine caramels and 1/3 cup of evaporated milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until caramels are melted. Grease and flour a 9" X 13" baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry cake mix, melted butter, and the other 1/3 cup evaporated milk. Stir by hand until the dough holds together. Divide dough in half and press (by hand) first half of dough into prepared baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 9 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over baked crust. Pour caramel mixture over the chocolate chips. Crumble the other half of the dough over caramel layer. Return to oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove and cool for 15 minutes, then cut into squares. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Return to refrigerator when not eating, as they get goopy at room temperature.



The purpose of this recipe in the book was to get you out of the house and stop boring your friends at parties with your break-up drama. Instead, bring this dessert and make a pact to talk about them, not you. What happens is, everyone wants to talk about these brownies and you end up on that host's guest list forever!