Today, December 8th, is National Brownie Day.

The brownie, or chocolate brownie, was first created in Chicago at the Palmer House Hotel following a request for a dessert for ladies that was smaller than a piece of cake, but similar to one.

Brownies can be eaten as is, as an accompaniment to a light meal or drink, or eaten with ice cream or used in other desserts.

The consistency of brownies can vary from similar to fudge to similar to cake, and can include ingredients such as nuts, frosting and chocolate chips. The main ingredients are chocolate,or cocoa powder (but not in blondies), flour, butter, eggs and sugar.

Image: Morguefile