Spiced Pumpkin Brownies

When it comes to getting crafty in the kitchen, there's no season quite like Christmas! Whether you're looking for an affordable gift idea, a thoughtful party favour, or simply a festive treat for your work colleagues, homemade confectionery can be the perfect way to thank your friends and family this festive season. 

Fudge is a real winner when it comes to homemade sweets, and this recipe from Esther at Meadow Brown Bakery combines the classic vanilla flavour, with some pretty, seasonal sprinkles, in order to create a winning gift idea for both experienced bakers and beginners!

Full details of how to create this delicious recipe can be found here

For more guidance, you can also view Esther's instructional video over on Youtube

Ingredients:

  • 450g caster sugar
  • 56g of butter
  • 170g can of evaporated milk
  • 130ml of milk
  • 1tsp of vanilla extract
  • Festive sprinkles (optional)

Step 1 - Line an 18cm or 20cm  cake tine with greaseproof paper. Add in some sprinkles to achieve the result pictured above. 

Step 2 - Put all the ingredients except for the vanilla extract in a medium to large, heavy-based saucepan. Heat gently on the hob until sugar has dissolved.

Step 3 - Bring to a gentle boil, until the temperature reaches 116C on the sugar thermometer, or the 'soft ball' stage. Stir occasionally, to prevent the mixture from sticking and burning.

Step 4 - Remove from the heat, and let it sit for 5 mins on a cool surface, before adding the vanilla extract. 

Step 5 - Beat the mixture with a wooden spoon for around 30 seconds, then pour it into the prepared tin.

Step 6 -  Pour the mixture into the prepared tin, and leave until almost set, which should be a about 5 minutes.

Step 7 - Take a sharp knife and cut into squares, before leaving to set and cool completely (cutting when fully set will cause the mixture to crumble and break).

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