There is nothing healthy about this brownie. There, that is my disclaimer. Its crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. It is everything a brownie should be- moist, chocolatey and dense. But, it is not healthy. Sometimes only the gooiest, fudgiest brownie will do, especially as we get into the holidays. I am not advocating eating carte blanche during the holidays, but I do believe in the occasional indulgence. Of course, I make sure to balance that out with eating healthier foods as well and keeping active in the winter- ice skating or skiing, anyone?
Decadent Chestnut Caramel Brownies
1 cup Sugar
3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
125g Butter
1/4 tsp Salt
1 tsp Instant Coffee
1 tsp Vanilla
2 Eggs
1/3 cup Flour
1/2 cup Chestnuts, baked and finely ground
10-12 Caramels
Pre-heat oven to 350F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper. Add 2-3″ of water to a large saucepan. Heat saucepan over medium heat until the water is simmering. Combine chestnut pulp and 2 Tbsp honey. Stir well and allow to marinate while preparing other ingredients.
In a heatproof bowl (or another, smaller saucepan) combine sugar, cocoa powder, butter, salt and coffee powder. Place bowl over saucepan of simmering water to form a double boiler. This will help everything to melt without burning. Stir occasionally until butter melts. Stir to combine, but be aware that it will be gritty and may separate a little- this is normal and when the eggs are added it will smooth out.
Add vanilla to mixture, stir well. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. When mixture is smooth and glossy add ground chestnuts and flour. Beat well until flour is fully incorporated.
Pour into a parchment lined 8×8 pan. Cut 2 of the caramels into pieces and press the pieces evenly into the batter. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, or until knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Meanwhile, unwrap and place remaining caramels between two pieces of parchment paper and roll out into a thin sheet as close to 8×8″ as possible. When brownies are done, remove from oven and cover with sheet of caramel. Caramel should melt on hot brownies, if not return to the oven for ~2 minutes. Allow to cool nd enjoy!
