Rich Chocolate Brownies...

I find alot of people don't really know what to make of brownies, are they a cake? Brownies aren't a sponge cake and if they turn out like a sponge you've gone wrong somewhere.

These brownies are extremely rich with a gooey centre and a flakey top. they are perfect for any occasion and can be dressed up with a flavoured cream or with crushed pistachio nuts on top. They can also be devoured the minute you've cut them just as they are!

This recipe makes 20 brownies.

Give them a go.

Ingredients

250g butter

220g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids)

75g cocoa powder

65g plain flour, sifted

1 teaspoon baking powder

365g caster sugar

4 large eggs

Optional

50g nuts

50g white chocolate drops

handful of raspberries

zest of 1 orange

Preheat your oven to 165°C/320°F/gas 3. Line a 25cm square baking tin with greaseproof paper. In a large bowl over simmering water, melt the butter and the chocolate and mix until smooth.

In a separate bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder and sugar, if you’re using nuts add them in with the dry ingredients as this will stop them sinking to the bottom while baking.

Then add this to the chocolate and butter mixture. This with be a gritty mixture, stir together well. Beat the eggs and mix in until you have a silky, glossy, thick consistency. Add in the raspberries, zest or white chocolate now if youre adding them in.

Pour your brownie mix into the baking tray, and place in the oven for around 20-25 minutes. This are different to cakes, so its ok if the skewer comes out wet when you’re testing them. The brownies should be slightly springy on the outside but still gooey in the middle. Allow to cool COMPLETEY in the tray. I know this is hard but it’s well worth the wait! Carefully transfer to a large chopping board and cut into squares. You should get 20 brownies.