Who boasts the best brownies in Batavia?
In a backroom at Limestone Coffee and Tea shop, a group of Batavia leaders made serious decisions Thursday.
Nuts in the brownie or on top? Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a blondie? Gooey, cake-y or fudgy?
They were choosing the best brownie in Batavia, in the Batavia Mothers Club's second annual Brownie Bake-Off. The event is a precursor to the club's big arts, crafts and bake sale later this month.
"I like one that is not overpoweringly sweet," said Police Chief Gary Schira, who prefers cakelike brownies to fudgy, gooey ones.
"I think it's like pizza: There's no such thing as a bad brownie," school board President Ron Link said.
Other judges included Britta McKenna, of Batavia MainStreet; Batavia Fire Battalion Chief Randall Banker; Batavia Ald. Eldon Frydendall; and Mike Clark, executive director of the Batavia Park District. They joked about pacing themselves, about the sugar rush they were all going to get, and their systems for keeping track of the brownies.
There were 13 entries, with names like "Blondies Have More Fun" and "Passionate Chocolate Kisses." One featured pretzels in its topping, and another had raspberries.
The winner was 70-proof: Kelly MacKenzie, who changed a few ingredients in a recipe she found on the Internet and added an extra touch: Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum in the buttercream frosting.
"I've never baked a brownie from scratch before," said an astonished MacKenzie.
The winning brownies will be sold as part of a game at the bake sale. You'll get a brownie if you manage to toss a quarter into a vase.
The show is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 18 in the field house at Mooseheart, which is on Route 31 between Batavia and North Aurora. Admission is $3. About 150 juried artisans and crafters will sell their wares. Lunch is also sold.
Last year the club made about $25,000 profit from the show. The club gives the money to local charities such as the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry, and to the Batavia public schools. For details, visit bataviamothersclub.org.