Hosting My First HEMA Snack Stall: A Chocolate Brownie Recipe That Wowed the Crowd
A chocolate brownie recipe that will be a hit at all occasions.
Ingredients
200g flour
50g caster sugar
150g brown sugar
4tsbsp cocoa powder
1tsp instant coffee
2tsp cinnamon
75g chocolate
330mls water
7tbsp oil
Method
Pre-heat the oven to 180C fan. In a large mixing bowl place all the dry ingredients and give a quick mix.
Add the liquid ingredients to the dry and mix until well combined. You may need to add more water to have a fairly liquid batter.
Line a baking tin with baking parchment and pour batter into the lined tin.
Bake in oven for 35-40 minutes. Until a skewer comes out dry and there are slight cracks on the surface.
Immediately remove brownies from the tin and place on a plate and place in the freezer, covered, for 30 mins to enable the brownies to retain their fudginess.
Remove from freezer and portion up.
The Chocolate Brownie Story
When I first hosted a HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) snack stall, I knew that the focus would be on the intense sword fighting and competition. But I also wanted to make sure there was something to sweeten the experience for the participants and spectators. What better way to treat everyone after a hard day of training and sparring than with a batch of rich, fudgy chocolate brownies? These brownies quickly became a crowd favorite and were the perfect energy boost after a long day on the mats.
The beauty of this chocolate brownie recipe is in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, it creates a decadent dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're hosting a sports event, a family gathering, or just need a quick and indulgent treat, these brownies are sure to impress.
Here’s how to make the perfect chocolate brownies for any occasion, including your own HEMA event!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
200g (1 ½ cups) flour
50g (¼ cup) caster sugar
150g (¾ cup) brown sugar
4 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp instant coffee
2 tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
75g (½ cup) chocolate, chopped
330ml (1 ⅓ cups) water
7 tbsp oil
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease it lightly with oil to prevent the brownies from sticking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, caster sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and cinnamon. The addition of cinnamon gives these brownies a unique, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
Melt the chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. You can melt the chocolate either in a microwave or over a double boiler. If using a microwave, heat the chocolate in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring between each interval until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the water and oil. Add the melted chocolate to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated.
Blend dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth batter. Make sure there are no lumps and that all the flour is fully combined with the wet ingredients.
Bake the brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking tray and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached (but not wet batter).
Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Top Tip: For the ultimate fudginess, remove the brownies from the baking tray and place them on a plate. Cover them and immediately place them in the freezer right after baking. This helps seal in the moisture and maintains the optimal fudgy texture.
Optional serving suggestion: For an extra touch, you can dust the cooled brownies with powdered sugar or drizzle some melted chocolate on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some chopped nuts or a tbsp or 2 of biscoff for the ultimate sweet treat.
Nutrition Information:
The following nutritional breakdown is based on a single serving (one rectangle) of the brownies when divided into 14 pieces. This is a rough estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Per Serving:
Calories: 165 kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Sugars: 14g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Protein: 1.5g
Fiber: 1.5g
Sodium: 15mg
These brownies offer a delightful combination of sugars and fats, providing a quick source of energy that would be ideal for refueling after a physical activity like a HEMA event. The inclusion of cocoa powder and chocolate ensures a rich, intense flavor, while the cinnamon adds a subtle warmth to balance the sweetness. A touch of instant coffee intensifies the chocolatey taste, creating a deliciously indulgent treat.
Why These Brownies Were Perfect for My HEMA Sports Event:
Hosting a HEMA snack stall is no easy task. The sport involves intense physical exertion and requires athletes to stay sharp and focused. After a few hours of practice and sparring, the participants needed something that would satisfy their sweet tooth without compromising on flavor. These brownies, with their rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture, proved to be the perfect post-practice snack. They were not only a hit with the athletes but also with the spectators, who appreciated having a delicious treat to enjoy while watching the action unfold. I combined the brownies with an optional piece of fruit, which would aid the competitors in staying hydrated and the fibre would help balance their blood sugars throughout the competition.
The best part? These brownies are incredibly simple to make, and you don’t need any special baking skills to perfect the recipe. You can easily prepare them ahead of time, ensuring that you have a fresh batch of brownies ready to go when your event kicks off. Whether you’re hosting a small HEMA event or a large tournament, these brownies will help create an unforgettable atmosphere of camaraderie and indulgence.
Final Thoughts:
Making these chocolate brownies for my first HEMA event was a rewarding experience. Not only did they taste amazing, but they also provided a perfect balance of energy and flavour for participants and spectators alike. The combination of simple ingredients and quick preparation makes this recipe ideal for any event, and the addition of cinnamon and instant coffee gives the brownies a unique twist. The flavours matched with seeing the happy smiles of the competitors as they left the competition with a free brownie, really brought the event together. Whether you're hosting a sports event or just looking to treat yourself, this chocolate brownie recipe is sure to be a hit every time!
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