Who R Phlip ‘N’ Nik

Phlip

That’s me! Philip Horowitz, native Chicagoan, “almost native” Angeleno, and lover of food & music, but most importantly, I’m the adopted child of Norene and Larry Horowitz, and I’m forever grateful they chose me to be their son. Was it easy raising me: No. I could be an opinionated, contrary, argumentative, stubborn child who fought with his mother…but they loved me anyway. My father said I was just independent and individualistic – the glass half full. He was my hero and the man most important in my growth. His words and actions live with me to this day, nearly 21 years after his passing, and to our credit, my mother and I have created a deeply loving, supportive relationship that would make him proud – she’s my rock. So, what does this have to do with brownies, you may ask…

Nik

Norene’s incredible kitchen, where so much love was created: pancakes, french toast, fried matzah, toasted peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, kugel, spaghetti meat sauce, pepper steak, chicken, white fish…and the brownies! My mother would make me whatever I wanted, even when my father would say this isn’t a restaurant. I loved breakfast for dinner or eating the cookie dough before baking with my sister…but the brownies! My mom started baking them in 1959 and poured love into every batch. They were time consuming and made from scratch – a great lesson in patience. My sister and I would “clean” the beaters, spatula and bowl while the brownies were in the oven…mmmmmm! The aroma of the brownies baking filled the room, and when my mom took them out of the oven, we would take in the warm chocolate scent coming off the top…I could “taste” them in my mouth. They became so loved that she couldn’t go to a family or friend’s house without bringing them. My cousin’s would take brownies back to school or have them mailed to their college town. After one taste, everyone wanted them…

Phlip ‘N’ Nik

I started by baking them myself in a friend’s commercial kitchen, and getting them out to a few locations. I knew if I wanted to feed everybody the love I grew up with in Chicago, I would need help with production. Over the years many people have been a great support and encouragement in bringing my mother’s brownies to you. The experience of biting into a deep, rich chocolaty brownie, made from scratch, harkens back to simple pleasures, which give us a feeling of anticipation, excitement, and joy. Having grown up with my mother’s brownies, it is my pleasure to share all the memories and love with you in each and every bite…