Really Fudgy Brownies

"I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that.  "

~W. Dayton Wedgefarth

 

These brownies are amazing. I don't think I've ever eaten such a fudgy brownie. They are really a cross between fudge and a brownie, seriously. So if that's your thing, this recipe is for you. They are super easy too, mix it all in one pot, and you're done. What more can you ask for in a recipe?

First melt the butter and some unsweetened chocolate, then add everything else, all in one pot!

I made them for my chocolate loving friend who was watching our dog while we went on a quick overnight trip to Hood River, Oregon. I made them Monday night, that's 4 days ago and they are still as fudgy and delicious as the day they were made.

Add everything and mix together, this recipe is super easy

About once a year we take a trip to the Fruit Loop in Hood River, Oregon. It's a fun place to take a trip. Lots of small farms to visit, wineries and the beautiful Colombia River. We stayed at a hotel in a room that had a gorgeous river view and balcony.

Ready for the oven. A foil sling makes for easy removal and clean up

But that's not even the most exciting part about our trip.

Have you ever seen such a fudgy brownie? 

We went to the Hood River County Fair. It was fun, but wow, it was hot outside.

The view of the Columbia River from our room

Then we stopped at one of our favorite farms, Cody Orchards.

Lavender Valley, Hood River, Oregon, this place is so picturesque, we love stopping here for lavender plants, and lotions, and really all things lavender.

The girl there was holding an adorable little black terrier. I asked, "is that your dog?" She replied, "no, actually I'm waiting for animal services to come and get her, she was running along the road."

Lavender Valley, Hood River Oregon

I asked if I could hold her, and it was over. I was in love. She laid on my shoulder like we were long lost friends. The girl behind the counter urged us to take her home. She said she actually volunteers at the animal services and mentioned that she sees this all the time. The dog seemed unkept, not fixed, no tags, and looked as if she had even given birth to a litter of puppies at her young age.

We didn't need to be talked into it. It seemed right, it felt right. This dog is pure unconditional love. A girl who works at the animal services is telling us the dog is abandoned and needs a home. I mean it was perfect. The terrier is the same size as our dog, and the same age. It was so right. We got her home and our dog Lucien, LOVES her. He is a different dog around her. No longer neurotic, he's perfectly behaved and happy. They play like toddlers. It was the best thing that ever happened to us!

Lucien is our boy on the left, Coco is our new friend, the black terrier

UNTIL, the next day I wanted to be sure no one was searching for her. I'd be devastated if someone took my dog and never reported him missing, so I felt like I had to be sure she was unwanted. I called the local animal services. When I described her, and they told me details about her back to me, my heart dropped. Her family was looking for her,  I started to cry uncontrollably. Turns out they had only had her for a week and a half. Before that she was an abandoned dog. They love her as much as we do and she showed them all of that unconditional love she showed us. It's like she knows if she's abandoned, it's o.k. I'll just show someone some much love. I'll lay my head on their shoulder and they'll take me home. With an attitude like that, I think this dog will always have a home.

All this time we thought we were helping her, when she has really been the one to help and teach us what love can do.

She's still with us, waiting to find out when she and her family can reunite. We're still holding out hope that somehow, she can stay with us. But if she can't, her memory will remain. And now we've learned, we need to find our dog another good friend.

Edited to add** I am so happy to announce, the dogs previous family very generously let us keep the dog! We are of course, overjoyed!

Vintage Lenox plate, available at my Etsy Shop, House of Lucien


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Really Fudgy Brownies

Recipe adapted from these Salted Fudge Brownies from Food and Wine

Ingredients

1 1/2 sticks (170 g.) unsalted or salted butter - I used salted plus included the  1/2 tsp. salt below and the salt content was perfect

2 ounces (57 g.) unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons  (38 g.) unsweetened cocoa

1 cup (200 g.)  white sugar

1 cup (180 g.) brown sugar, packed

3 large eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 cup (150 g.) all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, 180 degrees Celsius, Gas Mark 4.

Line a 9 inch pan with heavy duty foil to hang over the edges, if it isn't long enough on each side, line it on the opposite side as well to create a sling. Spray with nonstick spray or butter the foil, set aside.

In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter and the unsweetened chocolate together until melted. Whisk in both sugars, and mix until blended, then add the vanilla, salt and eggs, and whisk again well. Add the flour and cocoa and stir until incorporated, the batter will be thick. Pour the batter in the prepared pan.

Bake in the center of the oven for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are set, but the center is still a bit soft, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out coated with a little bit of batter. Don't over bake.

Let them cool to room temperature for an hour, then refrigerate them until they are just firm about another hour. Lift the brownies from the foil and peel off the foil. Serve them at room temperature.

They will keep (and remain fudgy) (wrapped well in plastic or in an air tight container) for at least 4 days.