Brownies in themselves are a great treat but when you want to make something special for a special occasion, then I suggest you up your game and make "Gourmet Brownies". When my daughter turned 15, I wanted to make something different and yet her favourite. I decided to make these gorgeous looking, sinfully tasty gourmet brownies. All you need is your favourite toppings and you are so ready to create your own masterpiece.
Ingredients:
280 grams semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup or 225 grams unsalted butter at room temperature cut into pieces
4 tablespoons or 30 grams of cocoa powder
2 cups or 400 grams of granulated white sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
6 large eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 cups or 190 grams all-purpose flour also known as plain flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
150 grams extra chocolate chips to be added in the end. (Optional)
Toppings:
50 grams dried cranberries
50 grams almond slices
50 grams citrus peels
50 grams chopped walnuts
50 colourful sprinkles
You could actually use a variety of toppings like oreo cookies, Marshmallows, white chocolate bars cut into small pieces, an assortment of nuts, raisins and many more.
Method:
Preheat the oven to 175°C place the wire rack in the center of the oven.
Butter or spray with a non-stick cooking spray on an 11x15 inch brownie pan.
Melt the chocolate and butter in a large mixing bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water.
Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder and sugar
Add in the vanilla extract and whisk
Now add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
By now the batter becomes thick and a little difficult to whisk by hand. Using a whisk, continue to mix well.
Sift in the flour and the salt and combine together.
Now add the extra chocolate chips.
Pour the brownie mix into the prepared pan.
Now add your favourite toppings into each section of the brownie pan and bake for about 30 - 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out a little sticky and moist.
Do not over bake. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Serve at room temperature.
You could also put them in the refrigerator and serve chilled.
Loads of love to you all!