{16} – 2

Last week we had a food day at work, where the theme was Mexican food.  There were no desserts listed, so I thought it appropriate to find a dessert that went with the theme.  So I googled “Mexican Desserts” and up popped these Chipotle Brownies.  After using every possible bowl and utensil in our kitchen, the brownies were complete…and veeerrry interesting.  They are most certainly a taste to acclimate to.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter or margarine
• 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate – broken into small pieces
• 3 oz unsweetened chocolate
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp chipotle powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne powder
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup raisins – soaked overnight in beer (I didn’t add this!)
• 1/2 cup hazelnuts – toasted & chopped (…or this!)
• Confectioners’ sugar – for garnish (…or this!)

Directions

1. Put butter and chocolate in a microwaveable dish and melt together on HIGH for a few seconds at a time until the chocolate is melted.  Stir well.  Cool.
2. Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl until they start to thicken.  Add the sugars.  Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.  Stir in vanilla and chocolate mixture.
3. Lightly toast the spices in a skillet over low heat, stirring often and don’t allow to burn!  Combine the spices and flour in a bowl with a whisk.
4. Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.  Gently add the raisins and hazelnuts, stirring just until combined.  Don’t over-mix.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased and floured 9″ round pan.  Bake in a 350°F oven just until set 25-30 minutes.  Cool in the pan.  Turn out and cut.  If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream.

I’ll give credit that these brownies are tasty, in my own opinion.  The double batch I made went home with a few guys from work who were absolutely in love with them.  But I encourage all of you to proceed with caution if you have an aversion to all things spicy or prefer brownies in the traditional sense.

Oh and this also fulfilled my second item to bake from scratch for my 101 in 1001.

xoxo.jenifriend

~ by jenifriend on May 25, 2009.