We've never tried a TJ's baking mix before, but I always think it's a good idea to have a brownie mix in the pantry for emergencies.
Trader Joe's Brownie Truffle Baking Mix makes an 8x8" pan of brownies. The mix is made with Dutch cocoa and chocolate chips, and the box costs $2.99.
The brownies are easy to mix up, just add eggs and melted butter.
A mom's (my) take: It's hard to make a bad brownie...and these are not bad at all, just not my favorite. The brownies came out really dry around the edges and on the top. I like a fudgy, shiny-topped brownie. (The instructions were very specific about using a toothpick to test for doneness in "several locations." I don't normally do this with brownies, especially ones with chocolate chips like these. I think this is why they came out a bit dry.) The center was tasty, but I ended up tossing the dry edges. This mix won't be the one I keep in my pantry for dessert emergencies.
Overall rating: 3 of 5 stars
A teenager's (kiddo's) take: Like my mom, I prefer a chewier, softer brownie. However, these brownies are amazing if you are a "dry brownie" person. The chocolate is actually very rich and flavorful, even though the brownies themselves are a bit dry.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Trader Joe's Brownie Truffle Baking Mix: not bad, not great.
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