Lunchroom Ladies Brownies-50 year old recipe!

Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with our “Lunchroom Ladies Brownies” recipe, cherished and savored for over half a century! This 50-year-old recipe brings back the warm, comforting memories of school days, where the highlight was often a delicious, homemade brownie, lovingly prepared by the lunchroom ladies.

Crafted with simple, yet rich ingredients like butter, cocoa, and nuts, these brownies offer a perfect blend of a soft, chewy texture and a deep, chocolatey taste that has been adored for generations. Whether you’re a fan of nuts or prefer your brownies plain, this versatile recipe caters to all.

Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these brownies are not just a dessert; they’re a bite of nostalgia. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of history with our time-honored Lunchroom Ladies Brownies. Perfect for family gatherings, school reunions, or simply a treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. Let’s keep the tradition alive and relish the taste that has brought smiles for decades!

Ingredients

Brownie Batter:

• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)

Icing:

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup canned milk (evaporated milk) or regular milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• A dash of salt

Directions

For the Brownies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and cocoa powder. Stir until well mixed and smooth.
3. Add the flour and sugar to the cocoa mixture. Mix well until combined.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. If you’re using nuts, fold them into the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check at 20 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack.

For the Icing:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, milk, and cocoa powder. Mix until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, beating until the icing is smooth and spreadable.
3. Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the icing over the top with a spatula or knife.
4. Allow the icing to set before cutting the brownies into squares.

Notes:

• For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts from the recipe.
• The icing is optional, but it adds a nice touch of sweetness and texture to the brownies.
• These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

Enjoy your delicious, nostalgic Lunchroom Ladies Brownies!