Chocolate (or Carob) Syrup

Otter is mildly allergic to chocolate, so we use carob powder in place of cocoa. It tastes very close to the same, although it's not quite as sweet. It's pretty much interchangeable with cocoa. It can be hard to find, although it is most likely to be found at natural foods stores such as Whole Foods which are nationwide. It can probably also be found on the internet.

1/2 cup cocoa or carob powder
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
dash of salt

Combine cocoa, sugar and salt in a saucepan. Add water and mix until smooth. Bring mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for one minute, be carefull this does not over boil - it can boil over very easily so you need to be stirring constantly. Remove from heat. When it cools, add the vanilla. It makes about 2 cups. It needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Before using, give it a good shake! Especially if you are using carob, as it tends to seperate slightly.

Brownies

This is one of Mom's recipes, I don't know if she originated it or if she got it somewhere. But it's the BEST brownie recipe EVER. I use carob powder when I make it, because of Otter's chocolate allergy. Sometimes I'll throw in about a half cup of carob chips - they're basically the same as chocolate chips so chocolate chips would work just as well. I don't usually frost it and it is gone pretty much as fast as it shows up. I don't usually add nuts although it is very good with them. Otter makes this one frequently.

Brownies

350 degrees, 30 minutes

2 Cups Sugar
½ Cup shortening

Cream together the sugar and shortening. Add:

4 eggs

Mix well. Add:

½ Cup Milk
½ Cup Cocoa (or Carob)
2 Teaspoons Vanilla

Mix Well. If desired, add ½ Cup Chopped Nuts.

Frost while hot, if desired.

(And it's especially good served with ice cream!)