Images courtesy All About Brownies
“Baking started out as a fun project we could do with the kids,” Nancy Nicholson explains. “Baking sweets is like an experiment: changing this, adding that. And then trying the final product is always rewarding.” One day when the family had their first bite of their latest double chocolate brownie concoction, they knew they had made something special. Crispy enough that you can pick it up but with a fudgy, rich, gooey center that makes it decadent and deliciously indulgent.
It was a delicious brownie, but was it the perfect brownie? To find out, they needed more taste testers to weigh in. So, hoping for more opinions, Nicholson and her husband Michael Marston sent the brownies to their kids’ York County school for distribution in the teachers’ lounge. The reviews from the taste test were all beyond positive, with some people even stating that Nicholson and Marston should sell the “best brownies they’ve ever tasted.” After the positive reviews, the brownies became a very popular treat to earn brownie points (pun intended) with the children’s teachers, becoming the essential gift for holidays and end-of-year thank-you presents.
In July 2011, demand for the brownies became so high that All About Brownies was created, and they set up shop in York’s downtown Central Market that November in a shared space with a cheesecake company. Folks usually try All About Brownies for a free sample as they make their way through market but are instantly hooked when they realize the treat goes far beyond your typical brownie. While the recipe is top secret, the company believes that a lot of their success comes from using all natural ingredients including semi and bittersweet chocolate, real butter, pure vanilla, freshly cracked eggs and sugar. To top it all off, they are PA Preferred, so most of their ingredients are locally sourced.
“After perfecting the double chocolate, adding peanut butter was the natural next venture,” Nancy says. “Double chocolate, peanut butter and nuts are our three staple brownies, but we’re always trying new things.” Two unique and popular brownies that have made the year-round menu are the double chalet grommet brownies topped with either a Guinness ganache or a Heresy ganache. The Guinness ganache is made with a Guinness reduction and the Heresy ganache features stout aged in whiskey barrels from Weyerbacher Brewing Company in Easton. Seasonal brownies have also been a staple for the company, including flavors like citrusy orange, York Peppermint Pattie and pumpkin. Cranberry ganache is a favorite brownie for this time of year and makes a great gift. Brownie swap, anyone?
What started out as a hobby has transformed into the family’s way of making a living. All About Brownies has continued to grow, outgrowing their “half-a-market-stand” operation and now running two stands at separate markets. But the company has never changed their passion and continues to be all about brownies. They are so committed to the dessert that they have even been sought after to make a brownie cake. Constant requests for unique items like the cake as well as increasing demand for brownies has All About Brownies looking to expand their space again in the near future, likely to a storefront. In the meantime, gifting has become a popular venture out of their New Eastern Market location, which includes holiday boxes and bows. Slices of the brownies can also be found in many locations around the county, including Perrydell Farm, Farm to Freezer and Joy’s Cafe.
All About Brownies York Central Market 34 W. Philadelphia St., York, PA allaboutbrownies.com 717-741-2452
