Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Fudgy Brownies

Servings: 20 brownies
Prep: 30 mins
Total: 3 hrs 20 mins
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup  all-purpose flour
2/3 cup  confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons  unsweetened cocoa powder, American-style or Dutch-process
3 ounces  semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (50-72% cacao), coarsely chopped, plus 2 1/2 ounces chopped into mini chip-size pieces, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons  canola oil
1/4 cup  granulated sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons  light corn syrup, blended with 3 tablespoons lukewarm water
2 teaspoons  vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon  salt
1   large egg
1/3 cup  chopped toasted walnuts, (see Tip), optional
DIRECTIONS
1. Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 350 degrees F . Line an 8-inch-square baking pan with foil, letting it overhang on two opposing sides. Coat with cooking spray.
2. Sift flour, confectioners' sugar and cocoa together into a small bowl. Combine the 3 ounces coarsely chopped chocolate and oil in a heavy medium saucepan; place over the lowest heat, stirring, until just melted and smooth, being very careful the chocolate does not overheat. Remove from the heat and stir in granulated sugar, corn syrup mixture, vanilla and salt until the sugar dissolves. Vigorously stir in egg until smoothly incorporated. Gently stir in the dry ingredients. Fold in the walnuts (if using) and the remaining 2 1/2 ounces chopped chocolate just until well blended. Turn out the batter into the pan, spreading evenly.
3. Bake the brownies until almost firm in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out with some moist batter clinging to it, 20 to 24 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack, about 2 1/2 hours.
4. Using the overhanging foil as handles, carefully lift the brownie slab from the pan. Peel the foil from the bottom; set the slab right-side up on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, trim off any dry edges. Mark and then cut the slab crosswise into fifths and lengthwise into fourths. Wipe the blade with a damp cloth between cuts.
Tips:
Make Ahead Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Tip: To toast chopped nuts: Cook in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.
NUTRITION FACTS
Calories 86, Total Fat 3 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 11 mg, Sodium 19 mg, Carbohydrate 15 g, Protein 2 g, Potassium 25 mg. Exchanges: Other Carbohydrate 1.