Brownies for the Chocolate Purists, With a Kick! 🔥
Delectable, Rich, Chowhound's Famous Brownies
Bake these brownies just a tad fudgy and not overly sweet, with a delicious cakey top, perfect for those who prefer a classic, no-nonsense brownie. Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips if you fancy something extra.
What You'll Need
- Grab 6 ounces of bittersweet chocolate (remember, not unsweetened). To intensify the flavors, opt for a chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa (but be careful not to go overboard).
- Gather 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter (1 stick).
- Get 2 large eggs at room temperature.
- Put 1 cup of granulated sugar in the mix.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of brewed espresso (optional), and 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon of fine salt.
- Measure out 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
The Perfect Brownie Game Plan 🕰️
These brownies have a shelf life of up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Remember to catch the DIY TV Dinners story and our Chocolate Desserts slideshow, where this recipe was featured!
Cooking Instructions 🍽️
- Heat the oven to 350°F and place a rack in the middle. Line an 8-by-8-inch glass baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Combine the chocolate and butter in a medium saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until evenly melted. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, mix the eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, espresso (if using), and salt. Stir quickly until evenly incorporated. Add the cooled chocolate and mix until uniform in color. Add the flour and stir until no white streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing.
Beverage Pairing 🍻
Pour yourself a glass of Rogue Chocolate Stout, Oregon. The combo of bitter and sweet never tasted so good. This dark brew brings a toasty, dark palate, as well as the slightly bitter flavors from deeply roasted malt. Its acidity and creamy carbonation provide a mouth-cleansing rinse.
For Those Seeking Intensity 🌶️
To up the chocolate ante, consider using:
- Moser Roth 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar
- Specially Selected Dark Chocolate from Aldi
- European Dark Chocolate Brands (e.g., Friis Holm)
These suggestions focus on high-quality dark chocolate to intensify your brownies. If you can't find these exact options, hunt down any dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage (70% or higher) for the best results. Enjoy the brownie revolution! 🍫🤩
- Delve deeper into the world of brownies with Chowhound's recipe for Brownies for the Chocolate Purists, With a Kick!, featuring high-percentage cocoa chocolate and a kick from brewed espresso.
- For those wanting to tweak the recipe, consider the suggested alternatives such as Moser Roth 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar, Specially Selected Dark Chocolate from Aldi, or European Dark Chocolate Brands like Friis Holm.
- These brownies are more than just a dessert, they're a nutrition-packed treat. With unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and a variety of high-quality chocolates, be mindful of portion size for optimal nutrition.
- The instructions for these unforgettable brownies include steps like melting the chocolate and butter over medium-low heat, mixing in the eggs, sugar, and vanilla, and baking in an 8-by-8-inch glass baking dish.