Mother's Cupboard: Mama's Secret's Out- The famous brownie recipe

I have coveted this recipe for years. It's the kind of recipe that not just wow's your guests, it becomes legendary. I pause even as I write this, questioning if sharing is really something I want to do. But contrary to my husband's belief that only children never share, I am sharing.

This recipe has quite a history in it of itself; even before it got to me.

Once there was a wonderfully sweet guy that I worked with. I didnt' know him very well, not many of us did. All we knew was his name, a bit about his job and that his mom made these killer brownies. We knew this because every couple of months this shy and unassuming guy came around with this tin of brownies that his mother made for everyone.

Soon, the word of how great these brownies were spread throughout the office and people would line up like a Krispie Kreme just opened up.

After a few years, he confided in a few of us that these ooey, gooey mouthfuls of heaven had a past sentimental symbolism. As a kid, he would go to camp every year. He was painfully shy and had difficulty making friends. So, his mom being the caring person she was, would make these brownies and send them along in a care package. She sent so many that he had no choice but to share. Easy Peasy.. instant ice breaker...

20 years later mama never stopped sending the brownies. I guess you are mom forever and never stop wanting to help your kids. My mom certainly hasn't; and while I haven't seen any shyness in my brewd, I can't wait to pass along mama's recipe and help them "break the ice"

With and gulp and a smile, I pass along "Mama's Brownies". Clearly kid tested...Mother approved.

Prep: 15 mins.. (carmels are the worst part)
Cooking time: 28-35 mins...
*tip- tastes better if made the day before.

Ingredients

1/2 cup Evaporated Milk
1 bag Kraft Caramels
1 package German Chocolate Cake Mix
1/2 cup Evaporated milk
1 1/2 sticks softened butter
1 cup walnuts (slightly chopped)
1 cup coconut flakes
12 oz chocolate chips

Method

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Unwrap caramels from wrappers
In large heat proof bowl place caramels and 1/2 cup evaporated milk
Heat caramels in microwave on high for 5 minutes. Stopping and stirring occasionally. Continue process for longer until caramels are melted.
When caramels are melted, continue stirring to incorporate all milk. Set aside and let cool a bit.
In mixer, incorporate cake mix, 1/2 cup evaporated milk, & butter. Mix well.
Add coconut and nuts. Mix well.. It will have the consistency of cookie dough.
In 9 x13 metal pan ( coated with PAM or lined with Aluminum foil) spread half the dough evenly on pan.
Bake in oven for 8 mins and then remove to add the remaining ingredients.
Spread caramel evenly over pan.
Next sprinkle chocolate chips over caramel layer.
Lastly, drop remaining dough mix over caramel.

Try to drop as well spread as possible. The dough will expand a bit while baking but since the initial dough is thick, and the caramel layer is gooey, you wont be able to spread it easily like you will be tempted to do. I find an offset spatula works well with this recipe.