RSVP comes from the French phrase “repondez, s’il vous plait” which means “please reply.” If you can wrap your head around the idea early on that guests will not “respondez” it will save you one or two migraines at least. And if you’ve never had a migraine, checking your email morning, noon, and before and after Project Runway, and stalking your letter carrier for RSVPs will be your ticket to this eye-popping, mind-numbing, don’t-they-know-I’m-paying-fifty-dollars-a-plate experience. Even the promise of Grilled Veal Chops with Potatoes Dauphinoise and all the Tequila Shots this side of Cuernavaca, there is no guarantee that your Uncle Steve will comb his hair and put on a clean tie. It is what it is and if 80% or more of your guests are considerate enough to respond with a “oui” or a “non”, consider yourself well blessed.
For best results, spray baking surface with non-stick spray. Fill each mold cavity 2/3 fill with batter. Always place bakeware on level baking sheet for easy positioning and removal from oven, refrigerator or freezer. Bake according to recommended temperature on recipe for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully insert cookie sticks into brownies. Continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes or until brownies test done. Place pan on cooling grid and cool completely. To remove baked goods, invert pan and apply gentle pressure to the bottom while gently peeling the pan away.
