American As.

So a long, long time ago, Laura went to Morocco. Upon her return we threw her an epic America-themed homecoming party (I believe the theme was, "Can we welcome Laura back to the States? Amer...I can!"). We had American flag tablecloths and a full menu of American desserts: mini apple pies, ice cream sandwiches (oatmeal cookies sandwiches with peach, Dulce de Leche and vanilla ice creams), chocolate chip cookies and s'mores brownies.

S'mores are distinctly American. I think about campfires and summertime, and despite these brownies being fairly rich fare, they were seasonally appropriate for a June party.

I loved the way the whole marshmallow melted and roasted itself in the oven--a sweet toping for a cakey brownie with spattered with graham cracker pieces (the texture they create is not as jarring as I thought it would be--it was rather delightful).

S'mores Brownies

makes a full 9x13 pan

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
5 large eggs
1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup graham cracker, roughly crushed with your hands

12 big marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 9×13-inch baking pan with 2-inch-high sides. Combine first 3 ingredients in small bowl. Stir butter and chocolate in a medium sized bowl over a heavy saucepan of simmering water. Stir chocolate and butter in this double boiler until melted and smooth.

Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla in large bowl to blend. Stir in warm chocolate mixture, then dry ingredients. Fold in graham crackers. Pour batter into prepared pan. Dot with 12 large marshmallows. Bake until toothpick inserted into center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 30- 40 minutes minutes.

Marshmallows will be browned and puffy but will deflate as the brownies cool. Cool for at least 20 minutes than slice with a sharp knife, cleaning the knife with hot water if it gets too messy and sticky. Serve or wrap individually in wax paper for storing.