BROWNIES 16

Guys I think I've done it - I've found the best brownies ever (well the best brownies so far!).  They are luscious, moist and intensely chocolaty.  They are easy to make.  They are (relatively) inexpensive to make.  Happy days!!

I visit a really interesting and fun forum called Violet's Pantry (contact RhyleysGranny if you are interested in joining) Hevz one of the members brought this recipe to our attention - it originally came from a children's recipe book, so it was no small feat to have rooted it out.  It is incredibly popular amongst the members, who have over time suggested a few small improvements, I have taken them all on board and this is the result.  Please try them, they are really worth a go.

Hevz's Brownies
Adapted from  Jennie Maizels

200g/8oz           butter
100g/4oz           cocoa powder
4                       eggs
400g/16oz         caster sugar
1 tsp                  vanilla
pinch                  coffee powder
100g/4oz           self raising flour
100g/4oz           chocolate chunks (I don't bother, brownieville boy#2 prefers it without)

Preheat oven to 175 C/350 F
Line a 9"/23cm brownie tin with parchment paper

Beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy (takes a while).
Melt the butter and add the cocoa, whisk to remove any lumps.
Fold the cocoa mixture into the egg mixture, and when combined add the vanilla, coffee and chocolate chunks (if using).
Add the flour, being sure not to over mix.
Pour into the prepared tin and bake for approx. 40 minutes (check from 30)
Check with a skewer to make sure it has the right brownie consistency.
Cool slightly before cutting into squares.

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.



When we are on the subject of chocolate, I was invited to an eye opening press launch   (I know!!!) earlier this week.  Claudio Carallo Chocolate has been introduced to the Irish market by Sheridans Cheesemongers.  The most important thing to mention about this chocolate is that it tastes fantastic - not a trace of bitterness (even in the 100% cocoa variety), without doubt the nicest chocolate I have ever tasted.  I intend to head to Sheridans before Christmas for Mr Brownieville's stocking fillers - he'll be in heaven!

Claudio grows the cocoa beans (an ancient low yield variety, that is unique to him) and produces the chocolate in Africa.  Buying this chocolate not only gives the taste good factor (it has won all sorts of awards) but also the feel good factor - way better than putting money into a charity box!

The tasting was very interesting, very similar to a wine tasting - you had to allow the chocolate to melt in your mouth  and cover all the surfaces to get the full impact. (Actually Claudio compared growing cocoa to growing grapes, and making chocolate to making wine).  The 100% blew me away - I could still taste it when I arrived home (after a 3/4 hour journey!).  It is expensive so definitely not for cooking, but real treat stuff. 

I'd love to hear how you get on if you try the brownies or the chocolate.