Make Your Own: Brownie Mix

One of the things I mixed up to bring with me to Thailand was a couple brownie mixes. Whether you're just trying to use some spare time to stock your pantry or maybe make some homemade gifts, its really easy to do this with your favorite brownies. Last year for Christmas, I gave these mixes (in mint flavor) to our friends and neighbors as a gift. I simply packaged them in ziplocks with a Merry Christmas card my sister designed for us that included what ingredients to add, what size pan to use, and what temperature to bake them at. I've also given them as hostess gifts. So hopefully this is an idea you can use for yourself or for gifting to others! I use our favorite brownie recipe, but you could use another one just as easily!

Make Your Own: Brownie Mix
In a ziplock, jar or other container of choice, mix together the following dry ingredients:

For a 9x13 pan:                                     For an 8x8 pan:
2 cups sugar                                           1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups flour                                      3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup cocoa                                         1/4 cup + 2 Tbs cocoa
1 tsp baking powder                               1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt                                               1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla powder*                              1 tsp vanilla powder*
1/2 cup choc chips or chopped bar          1/4 cup choc chips or chopped bar

This mixture can be stored, gifted, etc..

When ready to mix up, add:
2/3 cup oil                                              1/3 cup oil
4 eggs                                                     2 eggs

Bake at 350F (180C) for 20-25 minutes or until brownies test done.

Mint Brownie Variation: Omit 1 tsp of the vanilla powder (in a 9x13 recipe) and replace with 1 tsp mint extract powder (I got mine on Amazon several years ago in the States, by a company called Adam's).

Gifting Ideas:

• Package the mix in a jar with instructions on a tag tied around with ribbon. 
• Use a simple zipper bag or similar, fold excess bag over, then attach a card including instructions that is just under the size of the bag. 
• Use a zipper bag and then cover the top with decorative paper. Write instructions on back.

Picture courtesy of this site

*If you don't have vanilla powder, you can just list vanilla as one of the ingredients to add with the oil and eggs. I buy vanilla powder on Taobao for China readers. Just search 香草粉 (xiangcaofen). Most Chinese baking supply type sellers and stores will carry it.