The following “CHEW THIS!” column originally appeared in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News”. Check their websites for further information.

Norma Beavers’ Chocolate Chip Brownies

Blaise Doubman

I found this recipe while browsing through my Grandma Barbra’s old “Kennard Friends Church” cookbook. Norma Beavers was a friend to my Grandma and had been for countless years. This recipe is like a giant chewy chocolate chip cookie but in bar form. Highly recommend you try them! I kept the recipe basically the same but changed up the method of sifting the dry ingredients.

Whenever I make these, people immediately think of Norma and start reminiscing about how she would make them for scouts, Church parties and neighborhood get togethers. If you have ever had a blondie brownie before, that is basically what these are. The 6 oz. of chocolate chips called for, can be increased. I am thinking that maybe she used 6 oz. because years ago that is what the bags used to be? They are 12 oz. now. Also, if you really want to take these to the next level, you can brown the butter. 

Norma Beavers’ Chocolate Chip Brownies

2 sticks unsalted butter, soft
3/4 cup white granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon water
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups white all-purpose flour
6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray containing flour.

In a large bowl cream together the softened unsalted butter with the white granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, pure vanilla extract and water.

Beat in the large eggs.

Beat in the baking soda and salt.

Gently fold in the white all-purpose flour.

Pour this mixture into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips along the top of the batter.

Place into preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. 10 minutes into the baking time, remove from the oven and gently swirl the chocolate chips into the batter. Place back into the oven to finish baking.

Once baked, remove and allow to cool before cutting into squares.

Ask and Answer: Have a favorite Christmas cookie you want to share? Share it with me and I may feature here in a column for my “Christmas Cookie” challenge coming soon! Details and more information will appear in my “Christmas in July” column!