Stress relieving treats

The recipe is perfect for those who are in need for a sugar rush to get their minds working under stress.

Saba Callea June 09, 2012
The month of May brings with it mayhem and stress. Temperatures are rising, stress levels are on an all-time high, due to oncoming exams, and to top it all off, our courteous authorities keep the power supply to a minimum.

So one day, after having a gruesome fight with my books, I headed to the kitchen in search for something to calm my nerves.

This recipe is perfect for those who are in dire need of a sugar rush to get their minds working under stress; for me it is perfect because it requires chocolate, and who doesn't love chocolate? This well known mood soother works for me even when I am not eating it.

Working with chocolate, watching it blend with the other ingredients, observing it changing colours as it blends and the guarantee that whatever I put in the oven will come out tasting wonderful - I find all of this very therapeutic.

This recipe can be categorised as a brownie recipe. The bottom layer is made up of a crunchy crust topped with a fudge like brownie filling. The inclusion of almond essence - my secret ingredient - adds a mysterious taste of bitter nuttiness which compliments the intense flavour of chocolate. The crust in combination with the filling creates an oomph of chewy flavour which clams your nerves and transports you to a land of perfect treats.

It is my very own recipe for an escape from all the clutter in life.

Ingredients for the crust

  • ¼ cup cooking oats

  • ¾ cup bran flakes

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ¼ cup butter

  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda


Ingredients for the filling

  • ½ cup of oil

  • 1 cup of sugar

  • 2 eggs

  • 4 tablespoons of cocoa

  • 2/3 cup of  flour

  • 1/3 cup of milk

  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence

  • 2-3 drops of almond essence

  • ¼ teaspoon of baking soda

  • ¼ teaspoon of salt


Method

  • Pre-heat the oven to 300 degrees.

  • Melt the butter (pop it in the microwave for ten seconds or leave it out of the fridge for ten minutes), add all the ingredients for the crust and mix with the help of a wooden spoon or spatula.

  • Press into a greased baking dish and bake for ten minutes.

  • Meanwhile, using the same bowl and spoon, combine oil with cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, milk and the vanilla and almond essence.

  • Mix well, and then sift in the flour, baking soda and salt. The batter will now be more liquid like.

  • Pour over the crust and bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the centre comes out almost clean.

  • Cool and then cut into squares

  • Enjoy with a nice cup of black coffee.


So take a break, try this recipe and forget about all your worries.
Read more by Saba here.
WRITTEN BY:
Saba Callea A foodie who is pursuing a Business degree from London School of Economics as an international student.
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (5)

Saba callea | 11 years ago | Reply Thank you all. Do try the recipe and let me know if there are any problems and suggestions.
Yousuf Bawany | 11 years ago | Reply Nothing beats a soft fudgy brownie. Lovin' it. :)
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