On this day in history. She says. Stoically.

The first automobile was driven by Charles Duryea.

The Bay of Pigs invasion ended.

Grace Kelly married Rainier III of Monaco.

The first space station, Salyut I, was launched.

Joanne Bruno did not have the day off from school to celebrate Lexington. And Concord. And the gusto with which her forebears (okay not her forebears since her great grandparents didn’t immigrate from Italy until the 20th century. But. You know. Creative license) threw caution to the wind. And made that American Revolution happen.

(If she lived in Massachusetts. Or Maine. Or Wisconsin. There would be parades. Observances. Re-enactments. It would be called Patriot’s Day. She would get to wake up late. And walk around the city aimlessly. And dance around her room in her underwear. I guess she can do that anyway.)
On this day in history.

Joanne Bruno did not run the Boston Marathon. Her heart broke. Just a little.

She is not going to cry.

She will not pass go. Or collect $200.
But she will eat brownies.

Because if anything in this world equates to happiness. Brownies are it, right?
I’m sorry to be such a downer you guys. Honestly. I can’t help it. I just really had my heart set on running. And I’m so tired of being injured.

Next year, right?

(I should mention, to any new readers, I qualified for the Boston Marathon in October at the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco with a time of 3:35:11. Only to injure myself in November (from which I still haven’t fully recovered). And so I’ve had to defer my Boston entry until next year. I’m really not just whining about not getting the day off.)

These brownies really are fantastic. And I’m not even a brownie person. At all. But these were the perfect texture. Fudgy. Moist. Without being excessively chewy. There’s also a hint of vanilla. Which takes them over the top. And has people coming up to you and asking, “What is it about these that makes me unable to stop eating them?” Yup. It’s the vanilla. I’m pretty sure.

Once again, reaffirming for me that Mark Bittman. Is. A. Genius. These are my submission to this week’s I Heart Cooking Clubs, the theme of which is Potluck!

Bittman’s Brownies
I doubled the recipe to make a 9×13 dish and cut them into 36 squares, adapted from The Minimalist and/or Bittman’s How To Cook Everything

(This is the doubled version)
6 oz unsweetened chocolate
2 sticks unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup AP flour
pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla, not optional

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine chocolate and butter in a small saucepan over very low heat, stirring occasionally. When chocolate is just about melted, remove from heat, and continue to stir until mixture is smooth. Meanwhile, grease a 9×13 baking pan. If you like, also line it with waxed or parchment paper and grease that (I lined. And greased. Makes clean-up infinitely easier).

2. Transfer mixture to a bowl, and stir in sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add flour, salt and vanilla, and stir to incorporate. Stop stirring when no traces of flour remain.

3. Pour into pan, and bake 20 to 30 minutes, or until set and barely firm in the middle. Cool on a rack before cutting.
On an infinitely happier note. I met up with Shannon of Tri2Cook this weekend and we had an AMAZING time walking around the city! We got a delicious Mexican brunch/lunch at Dos Caminos and just spent hours (3? 4?) talking. Oh how I love meeting other bloggers.

And GOOD LUCK to my friend Justin. Who is running the marathon today! Although he’s so fast he’ll probably be done before I’ve even finished writing this.

Regional Recipes: Haiti! Come ON people!

You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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97 Responses to Bittman’s Brownies

  1. Lea Ann says:

    Beautiful! I will be a pig in the bay if I make these. Love brownies and always eat too many.

  2. Debbi Smith says:

    Awesome timing! I was just making a list for a kids party and was looking for a good brownie recipe. I made some that I loved, loved, loved a couple of years back but I don’t remember which recipe it was.

  3. Well, I am a brownie person. And those look delicious!
    How nice that you had a chance to meet one of your blogging friends and spend the day together. 🙂

  4. Perfect beautiful brownies…

  5. Michelle says:

    Brownies and Chocolate Chip Cookies are my husband’s absolute favorites things! Bittman’s recipe is very similar to one my family has used forever!

  6. Those brownies are wicked good..they look very moist indeed! Love to have that stack!

  7. Barbara says:

    I’m not a brownie lover either, but these look nice and dense. If I’m going to eat one, it can’t be cakey.
    We use a recipe from my late sister-in-law and call it Aunt Hat’s brownies. It’s a no brainer, as is Bittman’s. I don’t know why people fiddle around with perfect brownie recipes, do you?

  8. ruchikacooks says:

    First things first, I got a recipe, vegetarian and the one I can make and serve hubby dear as well for Regional Recipes.

    Second thing is after looking at these brownies..having lived in Boston for nearly a dozen months, all I can say is, yes, you need brownies for comfort especially if you dont make it to the finish line..and for the snow..and for the rain..and for the sun..and one for charles river! and some more even if dont live there anymore 😉

    Good luck to your friend.

  9. Sharlene says:

    The crusty top on those brownies looks so good! I’m totally a brownie person. Love the non-optional vanilla. I’ll definitely set these aside for future brownie adventures 🙂

  10. sweetlife says:

    you had me at bittman–then came brownie…oh Imust inhale these..next year for sure…

    sweetlife

  11. Anonymous says:

    Love you, Cousin! Been reading your blogs lately and I miss you! We need to catch up MAJORLY! Xo Carrie

  12. Mmm gorgeous brownies! I was just looking at this brownie cookbook I have…

  13. Marisa says:

    OOoh wow! I came to comment on how you read my mind today (I was/is craving brownies biiiiig time) and was totally taken aback by your beautiful new site design. So pretty!!!

    Sorry to hear about your running woes (of course I can’t imagine EVER being unhappy about not running a marathon), but I’m sure you felt a lot better after eating those bad boys. Chocolate cures anything, right?

  14. Marisa says:

    Oh PS: Haven’t forgotten about Haiti recipes. Just been very lazy. 🙂

  15. Amy says:

    Not a brownie person? Whaa? Come again? Joanne, Joanne. We need to talk. I’m planning Trevor’s birthday party as we speak and guess what he’s getting? Not cake. Not cupcakes. Not even pie (which you know makes me weak). Yep, brownies. Maybe even these….

    Sorry about Lexington, Darlin. That is a big fat Brownie bummer. Have a few to drown away your sorrows, I say!

  16. Kim says:

    Sorry to hear you didn’t get to run the Boston Marathon. I know you enjoy the challenge, hopefully next year will be your year!

    I am definitely a brownie person and these look so dense and chewy and fudgy – yum!

    I’m going to go look up some Haitian recipes and see if I can play along.

  17. Yum! These brownies look just excellent!

  18. Shirley says:

    Love brownies. I loved your Gnocchi doing the Rorshach in Marx foods! Hillarious!

  19. Bob says:

    Oh man, those look like just the kind of brownies I like!

    Don’t feel too bad you didn’t get the day off, we live in Massachusetts and my girlfriend had to go in. 😉

  20. Wow. Who needs a box mix when these are so simple. They look magnificent. Sorry to hear you couldn’t have the day off to do as you wished.

  21. Mo Diva says:

    those brownies look fudgy and delicious.

    Thanks for depressing me… and youre right- EVERYONE loves brownies!

  22. Katerina says:

    I am a chocolate lover. I simply cannot resist anything that has chocolate. Now I am on a diet since summer is coming really fast, but when I will reach the target weight, brownies will be my must make sweet for sure.

  23. Haiiiii Joanne,,,Brownies looks great dear came out perfect looks colourful,,tempting me dear….who says noooooo to browniessss like it very much…

  24. Mimi says:

    Joanne, I’m so sorry you couldn’t compete. Please take care of yourself so that you can start training again soon.

  25. Juliana says:

    Joanne, these brownies look so inviting…love the texture of it 🙂

  26. Mary says:

    Brownies are good things, Bittman’s brownies are great things. I’m sorry you weren’t able to compete this year. There is, however, next year, so don’t eat too many of those gorgeous chocolate confections. Have a great day. Blessing Mary

  27. Pam says:

    I now have an intense craving for chocolate! They look so tasty.

  28. We have something in common… i am not running the Boston marathon today either

    the brownies are Beauties

  29. Sorry about not running. Good thing you at least had brownies. =)

  30. RV says:

    These are sinfully delicious brownies, wish I could have them.

  31. Gulmohar says:

    Wish I could eat your pictures..lol..
    Sorry that you cannot make this marathon..

  32. dessert girl says:

    Oh, I’m sorry Joanne. That’s a bummer, but, you’re right, there’s always next year. At least you had brownies to help you through it. Yay brownies! And yay Mark Bittman!

  33. elra says:

    That brownies is the one to die for. Love how moist it looks. Drooling here!

  34. Oh darlin, I’m so sorry! That must be very, very disappointing. I do so hope your injuries heal soon and that you’re back to fighting strength. I’m so glad you’re eating brownies. 🙂 You’re a trooper and you inspire me. 🙂

  35. Oh Whoa – crispy outside and moist inside . i know it’s really difficult to make the brownie this good!!! I kinda miss this dessert 😀

    Just let u know that I pass a happy 101 award to you – please share with us your happiness secrete 😀 I know you have lots to tell!

  36. Talita says:

    Wow!! Looks sooo good! Moist and chocolatey!

  37. great brownies oh bless you hope you heal up soon love Rebecca

  38. Faith says:

    I’m sorry about the marathon…brownies definitely equate to happiness, so I hope these helped cheer you up! 🙂 They look fudgy and amazing!

  39. I am a brownie-lovin’ gal and these look amazing! I would eat them every day if I could. Sadly, I can’t. There’s something about metabolism over 50 that’s involved and also not running marathons 😉

  40. Deborah says:

    Brownies always make everything better!

  41. teresa says:

    oh i’m so sorry about the marathon. we’ll be rooting for you for next year!

    these. look. amazing. my hubs loves brownies, he would go nuts for these!

  42. OMG – these look soooo good. I love brownies, and only two things hold me back from making them. The first is that whenever I look for recipes there seem to be so many out there that I can never choose which recipe to make – but these look as though they have exactly the amount of crispy top to fudgy inside that I have been looking for. The second reason is that my partner won’t eat them, which means that a whole pan of brownies is going to go straight to my hips!! Looking at these though I think I have to take that risk – I don’t run marathons, but I guess I can spend a few more hours on the yoga mat 🙂 Sorry that you are not able to participate in your marathon and hope that you are recovered soon.
    Sue

  43. Kris says:

    These brownies look ridiculous! I wan to dive right in!

    Thanks for stopping by the new blog. I hope work slows down so that I can get back into a groove!

  44. MMMMMMMMMMMMMM brownies. love it. =D

    amazing you have a friend running the marathon! i wish i could do that! =D

    get better soon! i bet you are B’s caliber when it comes to running.
    yeah, he texted me during class. boy needs to ask in advance next time…..he did say bring CV and D….but they can’t come. so hopefully he’s not too disappointed.

  45. Wow, these turned out great, looks like you got the perfect texture.

  46. Azita says:

    those brownies look amazing!yummy!

  47. Ann says:

    If there is a perfect way to spend a day that would have otherwise been utilised to run the Boston Marathon, it would be to eat brownies. Spot on, girl, and there is always next year. keep on truckin’.

  48. Cynthia says:

    Awww Joanne, I’m so sorry about the marathon, but definitely next year! I guess these brownies are a good way to drown your sorrows 😉

  49. Bridgett says:

    First off, I am so impressed that you qualified for the marathon! You have to be so proud of yourself for even doing that, so get well and we will be hearing about you winning the next Boston marathon.
    I hear brownies can pretty much cure most ailments (it is in your texts, I’m sure) and yours look delightful.

  50. gaga says:

    I’ve never made brownies without a box. Maybe it’s about time because these look fabulous!

  51. Danielle says:

    I’m so sorry but at least you had brownies! and they look wonderful 🙂

  52. I made myself sort of a little promise not to bake Bittman’s brownies or chocolate chip cookies, for a while and I would stick with real food. Then, you, my dear friend, go ahead and blog his great looking brownies on a week where we have free choice in what we do. Not nice, Joanne. Actually, I already made the carmelized pecan pie so brownies would be over the top.

    If you have a moment, check Comfy Cook for the challenge. I want your opinion of the baked goods.
    http://comfycook.wordpress.com/2010/04/18/i-challenge-you-to-bake-this-delicious-bread/

  53. Sophie says:

    Georgous & tasty looking brownies, Joanne!!

    Many greets from sunny Brussels!

    Bye!

  54. Pierce says:

    Joanne those are nice lkooking brownies you made. Love the part on “this day in history”….you should do a series!

    This day in history Fridays or something. Great post!

  55. Jessie says:

    I’m sorry to hear you were injured last fall 🙁 I can’t think of anything more frustrating than that.

    On this day in history, Joanne created mouthwatering fudgy brownies with a foodie’s heart, and wished her friend luck, thus proving how awesome she is.

  56. These look great!! i am always looking for a great brownie recipe…
    also, my husband not only won’t eat marshmallows…but he hates s’mores too! Because, get this…he doesn’t really like chocolate either. I think he may have been dropped as a baby 😉

  57. Jenny says:

    I’m sooooo sorry you did not get to run! Good thing that qualifier is for 2 years races, isn’t it?
    Brownies look like a great consolation, but with that kind of disappointment, you need to take two, sandwich them with ice cream, cover them with chocolate sauce and caramel sauce, and then feel better? 😉

  58. Beth says:

    Holy fast runner you are! Qualifying for Boston on the difficult SF course! Amazing! Cheers yourself for that feat — Boston isn’t going anywhere and that deferral system is in place for a reason. Heal up!

    In the meantime. YUM! These brownies look divine. Thanks for sharing!!

  59. Muneeba says:

    Awww girlie .. my heart broke just a little for u .. the marathon would have been fantastic, BUT then these brownies may not have happened! And don’t u think the world is a better place with more freshly baked brownies in it??

  60. Muneeba says:

    PS: Have u gotten thee a new camera?? ‘coz your pics these days are better than ever!

  61. Angie says:

    Those brownies look so amazing! Delicious.

  62. Pam says:

    First off, I would love a dozen of those brownies delivered to my house..lol!….look delish!

    Sorry about your injury, but Congrats on the running and I loved your post!

    xoxo

  63. I’m sorry you didn’t get to run the marathon! I would console myself with these moist and fudgy brownies too. Heavenly treats!

  64. Sippity Sup says:

    Bittman brownies are (of course) going to be simply divine! It’s how he thinks and you seem to have nailed them. GREG

  65. polwig.com says:

    I am so sorry about you ingury but in 2011 you will be such a better runner and smarter trainer, we all know that you know how to eat well so that can be scratched off the list.

  66. Julie says:

    duuuuuuude what’s up with ny not celebrating patriots day. that’s a load of bull if you ask me. and we don’t get off for the ny marathon! it’s ran on a sunday. ny fail.

  67. Yasmeen says:

    Highly addictive,one will not satisfy me 😀

  68. Your brownies look amazing! A sinful indulgence! Sorry to hear about your injury. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

  69. Shannon says:

    sorry you weren’t able to run yesterday, but here’s to a great 2011 race!! now can i have a brownie? 🙂

    it was great to meet you this weekend! time certainly did fly, we’ll have to do it again sometime 🙂

  70. well i think making brownies as good as yours is just as important!

  71. Alisa says:

    I only like brownies if they are fudgy – not cakey, and these look like they seriously fit the bill. Awesome!

  72. I didn’t know about your injury–I’m so sorry! I know how frustrating an injury can be when you want to get out there. Best of luck for next year, and for now, those brownies look amazing.

  73. Maria says:

    I need to try this recipe! Sorry about your injury:(

  74. Toni says:

    Hi! So… I won the caption contest which means we’re BFF now, right? Yes? Maybe?

    All teasing aside, winning the contest helped me make the decision to get back into my food blogging ways, so thank you uber much. I’m excited to do it again.

  75. Karine says:

    I am so sorry for your injury!!! That really sucks.

    But your brownies seem marvelous. Fudgey and gooey, as I love them 😉

  76. Raina says:

    Incredibly decadent looking brownies. I want one right now! Thanks for the great-looking recipe..been looking for one. Sorry you could not run in the marathon. I think that is so great that you qualified! I live in Mass and have always dreamed of running it. I guess I would have to start running first. I did buy running shoes, though. Someday!

  77. PJ says:

    oh no, I am so sorry, but there is always the next year 🙂 these delicious brownies should cheer you up though, wouldn’t they! look so yummy and delicious. bookmarked!

  78. Love the brownies. They look amazing! Sorry for the injury 🙁

  79. tigerfish says:

    Sorry to hear your injury. I think one of my friends is running a Nov marathon in SF..wonder if it is the same marathon.

    I am having coffee now, missing your brownies 🙁

  80. so sorry for the injury T_T….a cuppa java and the brownies would surely brighten up the days though 🙂 yums!

  81. Astra Libris says:

    Joanne, I am so sorry to hear about your injury – I didn’t realize we both were sidelined by hip injuries – please know you have my complete and total sympathy and lots and lots of hugs and prayers and hopes for a speedy recovery… Please keep me posted, girl… *hugs*

    P.S. I’m in awe of your brownies… IN AWE. 🙂

  82. Radhika says:

    Wow! These look gorgeous! I am definitely going to give these a try! Sorry to hear about your injury, am sure you can make the marathon next year 🙂

  83. Sorry to hear of the injury! Don’t they say that trials form the character etc..Anyway, drowning the disappointment in brownies is a good thing! these are mighty good too!

  84. sophia says:

    I wish I had read this sooner. I would have sent a shout-out to you. But you’re in my prayer list…Im so sorry abt the darn injury, Joanne! Hugs to you…but the years ahead of you are many, and you’ll still have plenty of chances to run your race…

    but in the meantime, I’m sure you found solace with your gorgeous brownies!

  85. I’m sorry to hear that you will not be able to run. Next year … Those gooey brownies look fantastic and comforting!

  86. I love fudgy brownies way more so than the cakey ones, and these look like they totally don’t disappoint. So sorry you had to miss the marathon, but I’m sure you were there in spirit – and you’ll more than make up for it next year!

  87. Catherine says:

    Wow those brownies look unbelievable! Delicious Joanne! Yummy!

  88. Debinhawaii says:

    Bummer you couldn’t run this year but you will again and of course brownies are the perfect thing to cheer you up. These look delicious!
    😉

  89. theUngourmet says:

    So sorry you didn’t get to run. Love your brownie recipe though! I’m contemplating Haitian recipes and should have one together very soon! 🙂

  90. Next year for you! You’ll be ready to go for it in 2011. Until then, eat brownies!

  91. Pam says:

    You will be even better next year!

  92. Chris says:

    Oh sure. You can dance around in your underwear and it’s fine. I dance around in your underwear one time and you call the police and file a restraining order…..double standard! (ha ha ha ha)

    I get your disappointment. I do. I once tried to do a century ride (100 miles) with my right shoulder in a sling two days before my scheduled surgery and had to bale at 20 miles in. I felt so lame riding the SAG wagon back to the start.

    I like your brownies because I don’t like cake like brownies.

  93. msmeanie says:

    Uh-oh, looks like I have another recipe on my list of brownies to try. They look amazingly fudgy, which I LOVE in a brownie. I’m sorry about your injury. I am an avid runner too so I can feel your pain. Injuries suck. Hard. But don’t worry, girl. Just rest for a while and you will be up and running once again!

  94. Martha says:

    So sorry you weren’t able to run 🙁

    On the other hand these brownies look fabulous! I have brownies in the oven as I type – ‘cept mine are Betty Crocker, LOL – hey, I had them in the pantry and you know there’s the dollar a day challenge and all.

    Sorry I’m so far behind again. I’m definitely becoming a weekend only blogger. I hate when life gets in the way of my blogging!

  95. melissa says:

    Those brownies look so good! A perfect way to take your mind off the marathon! Sorry you weren’t able to run.

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