Gourmet Brownies

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!