Melinda’s Choc Fudge Cherry Ripe Brownie

"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

We all know this famous quote by Tom Hanks in Forest Gump. But I say: Life is like a box of brownie mix. You never know the end result until you try it, and the result may surprise you – just like how the combination of Melinda’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix and Cherry Ripe bars resulted in some really awesome brownies. Or how sometimes, you may not be too enthusiastic about something, only to realise later that it wasn't as bad as expected, and that you have actually enjoyed it.

I have always been skeptical about store-bought brownie pre-mix. Years ago, during my gluten-eating days, my maiden attempt of baking brownies - using store-bought pre-mix - resulted in a total disaster. I can still remember how dry and sickeningly sweet my brownies were; and I never knew brownies could taste so bad. From then on, I avoided any sort of pre-mixes like plague – until I tried Melinda’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix.

During my trip back to Melbourne, my friend, Jenny gave me a box of Melinda’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix. She has been experimenting with various gluten-free cake and brownie mixes, and wanted me to try her favourite brownie mix. You could see the excitement in her eyes when she talks about these brownies, ‘If all gluten-free products are this good, giving up gluten will be so much easier.’ Skeptical as I may have been, I was bought over by her enthusiasm.

So on Father’s Day, I finally gave it a go. I have started on my new job, and have not had the time to shop for baking ingredients, so this baking mix came in really handy. Jenny was right about this - it is possibly one of the best brownies I have had lately. Jenny used dark chocolate chips in her brownies, but I decided to make it more Aussie by tossing in some chopped Cherry Ripe bars. For the benefit of those who have not heard of Cherry Ripe, Cherry Ripe is a cherry, coconut and dark chocolate-based candy bar, and is one of the  oldest chocolate bars in Australia. It is also one of the top three brands of chocolate bars sold in Australia. I was introduced to Cherry Ripe about a year ago, and I started out not liking it. But somehow, the combination of dark chocolate, cherry and coconut grew on me, and it became my favourite chocolate bar (besides dark chocolate) -  sadly, it’s not dairy-free or gluten-free; if not I would be having it every day.

Remember to try some Cherry Ripe if you are travelling in Australia :)

The addition of Cherry Ripe to these indulgent brownies a lovely cherry and coconut flavor. The brownies were all that you can ask for in brownies – moist, decadent, and leaves you wanting more. I had a revelation as my Dad and I were digging into our brownies. How about adding cherries and coconut into my brownies next time? Has anyone tried that before?

Melinda’s Choc Fudge Cherry Ripe Brownie 

Directions 
Preheat oven to 180C. Simply add 2 eggs or egg substitute (I used 1/2 cup blended tofu) and some butter or margarine to the brownie mix.  When the mixture is well combined, fold in 100g of chopped Cherry Ripe. Transfer the mixture to a greased 20 cm/8” square pan. Bake for 20 – 25 mins. Enjoy!!

Cook’s Notes

• Brownie mix is gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free and yeast-free.
• Omit Cherry Ripe if you want a gluten-free, lactose-free treat.
• Substitute it with your favorite chocolate bar.
• I used 1/2 cup of blended tofu, and margarine.
• For those living in Singapore: You can find Melinda's Choc Fudge Brownie Mix at Market Place Supermarket, and Cherry Ripe bars at the Candy Empire.

What is your favorite candy bar or chocolate bar?
What is your take on baking mix?