the best brownies... ever!

Last year I set out to find a recipe for the best brownie ever and I've finally found it. It took me a lot of trial and error but I've now figured out how to make the most perfectly rich, chewy and chocolatey brownies. And if that wasn't good enough, I've also went one step further and made them even more amazing - by adding Aero Mint chocolate.

Honestly, they are by far the best brownies I have ever tasted. They're very chocolately would be almost sickening if it wasn't for the subtle minty flavour that you get with each bite. If you're going to cook anything this weekend then I suggest you make these! ;)



INGREDIENTS:
makes 12 brownies

1/2 cup of butter
1 cup of caster sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup of cocoa powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
1 cup of flour
2 mini bars of aero chocolate (optional)
1 pot of white buttons (optional)

The Mini Aero we're just a spur of the moment idea when I realised I didn't have enough white buttons. Whenever I make brownies I always forget to buy chocolate chips so I usually just chop up whatever chocolate we have in the house. Things with caramel inside would probably work too but it might be a bit too rich!

You can find a conversation table here that will convert cups into grams or ounces if you find it easier.



DIRECTIONS:

001. Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C/gas mark 4. Lightly grease some greaseproof paper or tin foil and line your tray.

002. Put the butter into a pan and melt it on a low heat. Once melted, remove from the heat and mix in the sugar until combined. Put the mixture back onto the heat for a few minutes (don't let it bubble) until it has as glossy shine. This will melt the sugar a little and create a shiny top crust on your brownies.

003. Pour the mixture into a mixing bowl and mix in the cocoa, vanilla and salt. Beat both eggs in until smooth, then beat in the flour and add your chocolate chips. Chop up the Areo bars and mix these in. Make sure you get all the little minty crumbs in too.

004. Dip a spoon into the bowl and taste how nice and chocolatey it is, mmmm. Now, spoon it into your tray and spread the mixture out evenly. Try not to eat it all before baking. :)

005. Bake the brownies for around 25-30 minutes. You'll know they're ready when a knife inserted into the centre of the brownie comes out almost dry but with a little bit of gooeyness. Remove them from the oven and they will firm up a litte. After 5 minutes use a knife to loosen the edges - this will stop them sinking in the middle. You can either eat them warm or let them cool completely. They're great re-heated in the microwave for a few seconds too.

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I made these last night and I've been eating some every time I pass the kitchen. Naughty! So much for healthy eating, eh? I've not at much today as I'm going out for Brazilian tapas at Boteco Do Brasil tonight before going to see Cut Copy play at The Arches. I might also pop into Tatty Bon's 2nd birthday celebrations if we've got enough time! I've just read that there will be a visit from a baby pug too - so I'm definitely going now! ;)