BROWNIES: Cake or Fudge
By Brittany Bousquet
New London Main Street Intern
August 3, 2012

They’re an American born and bred dessert. Their origin is shrouded in mystery and they have several holidays. This week’s dessert is the brownie.

Although the origin of the brownie is shrouded in mystery, there are certain things that can definitely be said. They are a US born and raised dessert. They most likely developed in New England in the first few years of the 20th century. One of the more popular origin myths is that a housewife in Bangor, Maine was making a cake and forgot to add baking powder. As a result the cake didn’t rise, but the housewife served it anyways, thus inventing the brownie.

Brownies are classified as a bar cookie and not as a cake. They are divided into “cake” and “fudge” categories, and people often prefer one style over the other. There is also the type of brownie referred to as a blonde brownie. This type of brownie is made with brown sugar and no chocolate.

The world’s largest brownie was made in 2001. It weighed 3000lbs and contained the following: 750lbs of chocolate chips, 500lbs of butter, 850lbs of sugar, 500lbs of flour and 3500 eggs.

If looking for brownie holidays there is more than one to choose from. January 22 is National Blonde Brownie Day. May 9 is Butterscotch Brownie Day. December 8 is National Chocolate Brownie Day.

And finally, don’t forget to come to downtown New London to sample the brownies our bakeries make. Muddy Waters carries brownies. Sweetie’s Bakery and Cafe makes their own, and they come frosted. Little Sister’s Bake Shop also makes their own, and it’s incredibly decadent. The Million Dollar Brownies contain no cocoa, but have a base that is made out of melted chocolate and butter.

And don't forget to check back next week to see what dessert will be featured.