Brownies and Powdered Sugar

Have you ever been in need of a 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, only to find your pantry staple has been depleted?  Have no fear, I just discovered you can make your own powdered sugar at home.  Yes, this process can be done in your kitchen.  All you need is a blender, granulated sugar, and corn starch.  If your recipe calls for 1 cup of powdered sugar, add 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp of cornstarch (to keep it from clumping) to your blender and blend until a powdery consistency is achieved. It is that easy!  I know you are going to want to try this so here is a recipe for you to try out your powdered sugar. Make sure you put enough powdered sugar on top to make a mess when you take a bite. 

CHEWY COCOA BROWNIES

1 2/3 cups brown sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, melted
2 Tbsp. water
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 chopped nuts (optional)
Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease 9x 13-inch baking pan.

Combine brown sugar, butter, and water in large bowl.  Stir in eggs and vanilla.  Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; stir into sugar mixture.  Stir in nuts.  Spread into prepared pan.

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out sticky. Cool completely in pan.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Cut into bars.

Makes 2 dozen brownies (great for storing in the freezer for lunches)