Box Brownies

A few weeks or so ago, Marika (gal pal from Madcap Cupcake) blogged about the convenience of a boxed mix for baked goods – just veganizing them. Well, it’s been on my mind ever since..and Dad wanted brownies. He had a box in the pantry, and so I decided to give it a try! Normally I would just throw together the flour and cocoa myself, since it really doesn’t add that much more time to the dish..but the box is easy because no measuring (and it was there). While the brownie part of it was naturally vegan (you do have to look out for egg whites or milk in the mixes), it came with a chocolate syrup that was NOT VEGAN – ergo, it got tossed..and we’ll have to have a chat about looking closer before purchase so we don’t contribute to the cruelty even though we don’t consume it …but I digress. Here’s the veganized box of Ghiradelli brownies Dad wanted as his birthday treat (Nov 8), topped with some Purely Decadent Coconut Milk Vanilla Bean Ice Cream…nom nom nom!

Ingredients:

1 TBSP ground flaxseed in 3 TBSP warm water
1 box brownie mix (make sure it’s vegan to begin with)
1/4 C warm water
1/3 C canola/veg oil
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Make the flax ‘egg’ and set aside while you mix up the remaining ingredients. You can also toss in about 1/2 C chopped nuts (as per Dad’s request for pecan brownies).
2. Add in flax mixture and bake according to package directions. Oh, and be sure to taste the batter for “quality control”

3. Top with delicious vegan ice cream, and enjoy!

So now there is no excuse not to have cruelty-free and compassionate brownies, even if you don’t have access to a special organic market (and even if you’re not vegan). This mix was purchased at the local grocery store..nothing special about it (HEB for those in Texas).

Happy Baking!