Banana Brownies

A while back, the library I work at had the fantastic idea of creating a cookie cookbook to help raise funds for our Friends of the Library group that helps finance some of the branch's activities, programs, etc.   They had everyone, patrons and coworkers alike, submit their favorite cookie recipes.  They then selected the favorites, and put them into a cookbook.  See it here:  Cookie Cookbook. 

Now, I know this isn't a cookie, but I sure am glad they included it in this cookbook.  My kids and I are in love with this brownie recipe.  It's super simple to make, and oh so yummy!   I have made a few adjustments here and there to suit my family's tastes.  I'll give the original recipe, and then put my adjustments in parentheses next to it.  The way I make them tends to have a denser end result.





Banana Brownies
as submitted by Laura Early:


Ingredients:

1/2 stick of butter
6oz chocolate chips (I just use a 1-cup measuring cup)
3/4 cup flour (I use whole wheat flour)
1/2 cup sugar (I use brown sugar)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (hate walnuts, so omitted them)
1 small banana, mashed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (I eyeball it)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg


Directions:

Note:  I like to have all of my ingredients ready to just throw into the pan.  To prepare, I put the butter and chocolate chips straight into the pan. In a larger bowl, I combine all dry ingredients.  In a smaller bowl, I mash the bananas, and then beat in the egg and vanilla.  When the butter/chocolate mix is melted and ready, I add the banana mix first, then stir in the dry ingredients.  
 
1.  Preheat oven to 350*F.
2.  Spray a 9-inch square pan with cooking spray. (I used a round one.. it's what was clean..)
3.   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring occasionally.
4.  Remove pan from heat and beat in the remaining ingredients until thoroughly combined.
5.  Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly (batter is thick).
6.   Bake for about 30 minutes, or until center is set.
7.  Cool completely.

 Now please-  go check the book out from the library.  The cookies are delicious, and there is something to suit everyone in there!