Malted Milk Brownies

The Sister-in-Law (The Husband’s sister, not to be confused with my brother’s wife) is enjoying an extended stay in the Whiskey house.  She was commissioned in the United States Air Force* a few weeks ago and asked if we minded if she stay with us until she was called for active duty.  Of course she could stay, she’s enjoyed many a long visit with us.  What none of us were prepared for, and much to the disappointment of the new 2nd Lieutenant (who worked hard to graduate a semester early!), was her active duty date being at the end of May.  Six months after her commissioning.  

The only comment The Husband made when we found out that she’d be living with us for such a long period of time was, “There will be no synchronized “hormone imbalances” during this time.”  Fine. Not a problem, since my hormones are so out of whack that I’m medicated to have 3 or 4 “hormone imbalances” per year.  I chuckled and assured him that it wouldn’t be a problem, or I’d pack up the little Radar cat and hit a hotel for a week.  It’s not that I’m horrible to be around while suffering from a “hormone imbalance,” it’s just that I’m… weepy.  I cry.  There, I admit it.  This hard, tough, no-holds-barred girl… cries.  On a regular basis for 6 days.

What no one expected was the clinic being closed for the holidays… and me not being able to renew my prescription.  Of course this coincided with The Sister-in-Law’s “hormone imbalance” too.  What’s a girl to do?  Well, I stared the day with eating 4 dill pickles and a half-jar of pickled okra, then… then, I made malted milk brownies.  I figure if I offer one to The Husband it may be a good enough peace offering to keep me in my own bed for the next 6 days.  I’ll keep you posted.

*Pictures and story coming soon.

Malted Milk Brownies
Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens

1 1/2 c flour
1/2 c malted milk
1/2 t salt
1 c butter
4 oz unsweetened chocolate (I always use Ghirardelli 60% cacao)
2 c sugar
4 eggs
1 t vanilla
Optional*
1 c chopped walnuts, toasted
4 oz malted milk balls, coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Lightly grease a 13″x9″x2″ pan; set aside.  In a small bowl, combine flour, malted milk powder and salt; set aside.

In a medium saucepan, combine butter and chocolate; heat and stir over low heat until chocolate melts.  Remove from heat, stir in sugar.  Using a wooden spoon, beat in eggs, one at a time.  Add vanilla.  Stir in flour mixture, walnuts and half of the malted milk balls.  Spread in prepared pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes.  Cool in pan on a wire rack.  Cut into bars.

*I’ve made these a few times now using the malted milk balls and omitting them.  Honestly, the crushed Whoppers are fun for the first night, then when you go in for seconds the next day the milk balls are quite gummy in consistency.  Also, we don’t usually use nuts in our brownies but I’m sure the toasted walnuts are fantastic.

I realize brownies are the absolute last thing many of you want to see, but… well, enjoy them anyway in moderation.