The following “CHEW THIS!” column originally appeared in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News” as well as other publications. Check their websites for further information or write to me for more details as to where this can be viewed.

An Old Brownie Recipe, Turned New…

Have you ever heard of “Mud Hen Brownies”? I had not either until a few years ago when I was looking through an old Church cookbook from Ohio that I had recently bought at a tag sale. The name of the recipe is what first caught my eye and then the ingredient list. The old vintage cookbook I was looking over, of course did not have any pictures, so I had to use my imagination. What would a meringue topped brownie taste like? And the meringue has, what? Brown sugar? Yes! 

Trust me when I tell you, this recipe will change your life! It is so delicious I really can not even muster up the words to actually what the taste is like. Imagine one of the most delicious brownies you have ever had. Imagine the taste and the texture. Now, add on top of that a pillowy, slightly crusty, slightly chewy brown sugar meringue. Now imagine that warm from the oven. Right! These are so amazing that I thought about offering people some type of deal like, “Make these and if you do not like them, I will reimburse you for your ingredients and time”! Ha! Then, I thought better of it and figured I would just beg you here instead. Please, make these and you will be so glad that you did.

Mud Hen Brownies

For the brownies…

1 brownie mix, for 9-inch pan

1/2 cup mini marshmallows

1/2 cup chopped pecans 

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the meringue…

2 large egg whites 

1 cup light brown sugar 

Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions. If using a regular size, large size brownie mix, make and only use half of the batter. 

Pour into prepared baking pan and smooth out the top. 

Sprinkle the marshmallows, chopped pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top. 

Beat the large egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the light brown sugar. 

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick caooking spray containing flour. –

Pour this mixture over the brownies and spread evenly. 

Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. 

Remove and allow to cool before cutting.

Ask and Answer: Thomas Ray from New Castle wanted to know if I had any recipes for strawberries. Yes, Thomas, I have tons of strawberry recipes on my website. Just type “strawberries” into the search bar and you will find an ever-expanding list. Thanks!