I think I’ve talked quite a few times about how I think baking is good for my soul. I haven’t spent much time in the kitchen over the past few months and I’ve missed it. I had a few hours to spare this morning which is a rarity these days and I spent it in my kitchen and I ended up with two loaves of bread, brownies, dairy free biscuits and more…
For a few hours I left my problems at the door and concentrated on the food and I think it has done me some good. Maybe I should open a bakery?
I didn’t use to like brownies, the ones I bought at markets and festivals were often dry or just not chocolatey enough but tried one a few years ago at The Big Feastival that changed my mind and I tried for a long time to recreate them. Now I think I prefer mine! There is something incredibly indulgent about a chocolate brownie. If you make it the right way they are fudgy and moist inside with a slight crunch outside. Having two different types of chocolate is my favourite way although I have also made them with three!
I must have made these twenty or thirty times and I always get a great result. They are my fail safe dessert recipe and I’ve also given them as gifts to friends who have had new babies – they are great for when you have the breastfeeding munchies or just when you have had (another) really long night.
Double Chocolate Brownies
You will need:
275g softened butter
350g caster sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla paste/or extract
75g cocoa powder
100g self raising flour
50g white chocolate chips ( I used chocolate buttons broken up)
75g dark chocolate chips
Preheat oven to gas mark 4.
Cream your butter and sugar together then add all other ingredients apart from your chocolate and beat well – I tend to throw it in my stand mixer. When it’s all mixed add your chocolate and pour into a baking tray (approximately 12 x 6). Bake for 60 minutes or until there is no wobble left but it’s still a bit fudgy and gooey inside.
When they have cooled sieve a little icing sugar over the top to create a pretty effect or drizzle over some caramel sauce. YUM.
Sounds like a productive morning in the kitchen!
You’re so right about brownies, a good one needs to be soft and fudgy in the centre and a little crunchy on the outside. Those brownies look and sound delicious. I’m going to have to give them a try sometime.
Oh, my! I know exactly what you mean about not being keen on brownies. I’d never normally choose them at a coffee shop or cafe. Too dry, too nutty, or too doughy. These look so good I might need to try them though. Brownies deserve one more chance.
Oh wow, I think I have died and gone to heaven these brownies look so divine! I shall resist as I’m trying to be good this January:-)
I think that a good brownie should be so soft in the middle that it needs to be eaten with a spoon! Looks like you nailed it with these ones
Can I please be your friend and come round for a few of these?