Pepsi Brownies for May’s Food ‘n Flix: The Goonies

I came of age in the 80s.   I am a child of the 80s.  Sometimes I think the 80s were the best decade.  If the 80s were so rockin’ for me, then why have I never seen The Goonies?

The goonies

Yep, I am a Goonies virgin.   And, to qualify, I think that The Goonies probably spoke more to the males of my generation.  Just saying.

The Goonies was this month’s Food ‘n Flix pick.   Heather from girlichef is hosting.  You can read her announcement post here.

Food‘nFlix

I had to do some research to see what all the hub-bub was about.  I found a very informative and food-laden article at Bon Appetit.   All the best food clips from the film can be found on Epicurious

I planned a viewing with high expectations.   This sounded like a movie that The Hubs would find entertaining, too.   We planned a date night in front of the TV with Amazon Prime.  (The Hubs, another 80s child, had never seen the film in its entirety either.)

Honestly, folks, I did not get the appeal (other than a young Josh Brolin sporting a Lover Boy look).  The Hubs fell asleep.

josh brolin

Food plays a roll in the film, especially where Chunk (the stereotypical fat kid) is concerned.  He is either munching on chips, slurping down milkshakes, sniffing out pizza, or scooping ice cream into his mouth.  I, however, focused on the product placement in the film.

o-CHUNK-THE-GOONIES-facebook

Here you go, Chunk.  Enjoy these ultra sugary Pepsi brownies.

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Chunk’s Pepsi Brownies
From Coca-Cola Brownies

1 1/4 c. flour
1 2/3 c. sugar
2/3 c.  cocoa powder
1/2 t. fine sea salt
1/2 t.  baking powder
1 can (12 ounces) Pepsi

Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9” x 13” baking pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, and baking powder until combined. Add Pepsi, a little at a time because it will foam, until incorporated and batter forms.

Pour batter into pan and bake until a tester inserted into the middle of the pan comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Top will be slightly sticky.

Let cool completely in pan then cut into squares.

Why Pepsi instead of Coca-Cola?   You would not believe the amount of Pepsi product placement on the film.   (Didn’t the whole practice of product placement begin in the 80s starting with E.T.?)

These brownies are super moist.   I would like to try them again with the original called for Coca-Cola.  The Pepsi left that slight metallic twang.  (Can you tell I am a Coke person?)

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To sum up:  I don’t see the appeal of this cult favorite.   Heather, in her announcement post, mentions other favorite films of the 80s like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Breakfast Club, Stand By Me, Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, Back to the Future, and Lost Boys.  Heather, I wholeheartedly agree.  Love all of these films.    The Goonies?   Not so much.  (I do wish the nephews had been here to watch it with us, though.   That would have been hilarious.)

Will there be a sequel?  Only time will tell.

Enjoy Memorial Day Weekend!   These brownies are super easy and would be great to whip up for the weekend’s festivities.

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