Chewy Brownies

Wow!  I have a tendency to make complicated and different desserts.  But sometimes just a simple brownie reminds you that the basics are just as good, if not better, than any fun variation. 

Not only were these brownies super easy to whip up – they were perfectly chewy and chocolaty.  They blow any box-mix out of the water with both flavor and texture.  My coworkers that got to enjoy these really loved them too!  Enjoy – this is a keeper!

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa
• 1 1/2 tsp. instant espresso (optional)
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons boiling water
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
• 4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp. table salt
• 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Make a foil sling using the following steps: Cut 18-inch length foil and fold lengthwise to 8-inch width. Fit foil into length of 13 by 9-inch baking pan, pushing it into corners and up sides of pan; allow excess to overhang pan edges. Cut 14-inch length foil and fit into width of pan in the same manner, perpendicular to the first sheet (if using extra-wide foil, fold second sheet lengthwise to 12-inch width). Spray with nonstick cooking spray.

3. Whisk cocoa, espresso powder (if using), and boiling water together in large bowl until smooth.

4. Add unsweetened chocolate and whisk until chocolate is melted.

5. Whisk in melted butter and oil. (Mixture may look curdled.)

6. Add eggs, yolks, and vanilla and continue to whisk until smooth and homogeneous. Whisk in sugar until fully incorporated.

7. Add flour and salt and mix with rubber spatula until combined. Fold in bittersweet chocolate chips.

8. Scrape batter into prepared pan and bake until toothpick inserted halfway between edge and center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer pan to wire rack and cool 1½ hours.

9. Using foil overhang, lift brownies from pan. Return brownies to wire rack and let cool completely, about 1 hour. Cut into 2-inch squares and serve.

Source: Cook’s Illustrated March 2010

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