Sourdough Brownies

In my quest for recipes where I can use my Amish Friendship Bread starter I decided to pull out this recipe from my collection. Oh, my goodness! Brownie mixes just do not compare to what real homemade brownies are. These come out of the oven thick and chewy. There is also no comparison when it comes to price. Oh, wait, no chemical additives either. Keep these brownies covered with plastic wrap and they will stay fresh till the last one is eaten. Yes, this recipe is a keeper for use with Friendship Starter.

The more I cook with the starter, the more I like it. Quickbreads, pancakes, biscuits and brownies. These have always been integral parts of my menus so keeping a starter ready to use seems to be worthwhile for me. I think I will be on the lookout for a pretty crock to sit on my counter to hold the starter.

The next time you are given a Friendship Bread Starter, use this recipe and pass it on as an alternative to the Friendship Bread. Your chocolate loving friends will thank you.

Sourdough Brownies

This recipe makes a large pan of thick brownies. Tasty and moist with a nice texture. A hint of sourdough in the background. Yum!

Ingredients

• 4 (1 ounce) squares semi-sweet baking chocolate
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2cup chopped walnuts
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups Amish Friendship starter

Directions

1. Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan

2. Sift flour and salt together, set aside.

3. In a small saucepan melt chocolate and add hot water; bring to a boil while stirring.

4. Remove from heat, add baking soda and mix very well. Mixture will be foamy. Set aside to cool.

5. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs and mix in thoroughly.

6. Add vanilla extract and lukewarm chocolate mixture. Stir in nuts.

7. Add flour mixure gradually combining thoroughly after each addition.

8. Add the starter and beat well.

9. Spread batter into prepared pan and set in a warm spot away from drafts for 30 minutes.

10. Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. A toothbrush should test clean or with only a crumb when tested in center.