S'mores Brownies, a tribute to a summer bonfire on a beach

Sometimes life is like a dream and you really have to pinch yourself to check that you aren't dreaming.  Then when you can feel that pinch, you ask a friend to pinch you just to double check.  Last week was one of those weeks that you replay a few times in your mind because even though there were stressful times at work, the fun times definitely out weighed them in end.  It was one of those weeks where you really like your job and can't remember why you don't always.  

To remember the best work trip ever I wanted to make a dessert to represent a night spent on a beach, in Key Largo, making s'mores by a bonfire with our entire company of 30 people.  I told you I thought I was dreaming.  P.S. this is only post 1 for desserts to remember nights, post 2 will involve limes, its summer, we were in the keys, so yeah... (Oh Key Largo) 

FYI: I love pictures of things neatly organized into bowls or baskets.  Its like each ingredient has its own little home and is just waiting to get to hangout with the others in a big bowl, when it gets to be just the right time. 



Yummy vanilla added to the sugars and eggs





Wet ingredients and graham crackers hanging out waiting for the chocolate and butter to melt into tasty deliciousness.  (That's my toaster oven in the background...don't be jealous, I've had it since freshmen year of college.)



Melting the chocolate and butter in a double boiler.  I kind of just want to eat an entire spoonful of this, but I must resist because delicious brownies are on there way.

 Just fold in the graham crackers and pour into a 9 x 13" pan.

 Then top with marshmallows.

These brownies come out light and almost fluffy for brownies. They are not overly rich, the graham crackers retain their texture and the marshmallows stay slightly gooey even once cool.  Great with a large glass of milk!

S'mores Brownies: (adapted from Joy the Baker)

1 1/4 cup light brown sugar

3/4 cup sugar

5 large eggs or 1 1/4 cup egg substitute

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

6 ounces (3/4 cup) semi sweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cup graham crackers, roughly crushed using your hands, about 4 whole graham crackers

12 campfire size marshmallows

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray a 13 x 9" cake pan with non-stick cooking spray.

2.  In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugars, eggs and vanilla until well combined.

3.  In a smaller mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt.

4.  Using a double boiler,  (I use a metal mixing bowl over a medium sauce pan filled with 1" of water) over medium-low heat stir the butter and chocolate until melted and smooth. 

5.  Whisk 1/2 cup of melted chocolate mixture in to the sugar mixture to temper the batter.  Then, slowly whisk in remaining chocolate mixture until well combined. 

6.  Whisk the flour in to the wet ingredients until just combined.

7.  Gently fold the graham crackers into the batter.  Then pour the batter into prepared 9 x 13" pan.

8.  Top with marshmallows and bake in the center of the oven for 35 - 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.  Enjoy!