Okay, wow I feel like we need some major recap time guys. It’s been forever since we had a chat and even longer since that chatting involved chocolate. I know, no chocolate? The world might as well have ended, right?
So I mentioned being sick in one of my recent posts and that was very true but what I didn’t realize at the time of writing that post, was that I would end up getting sicker the next day and what’s more, end up feeling really-not-great for over one full week! Even as I’m writing this I’m fighting not to be distracted my some of the annoying leftover symptoms that just won’t seem to let up despite the fact that it’s been about 11 days now, grrrrr!
Sorry, not trying to make this sound so negative. Actually, my point in telling you is that I wanted to let you know the reason for me being AWOL on you guys and that my lack of posts wasn’t intentional. I’ve missed sharing posts and recipes with you so much.
It was so weird getting back in the kitchen, Hehe, even making something as basic as brownies felt sort of off at first, but luckily it only took a few moments for me to feel at ease again. I have to admit though, seeing what things are like when I’m not whipping up food at my usual pace was quite interesting. My house is full of perfectly capable cooks, don’t get me wrong, but instead of anyone filling in on my behalf as kitchen whirlwind the whole gang pretty much did their own thing. I think it was sort of refreshing for everyone actually but,(*face-palm-moment*) there might have been some frozen chicken nuggets and pizzas when I wan’t around to protest. Apparently the daily amount of sandwich bread and sliced cheese was pretty insane as well. As I said though, no one minded and change is always a good thing.
I’d have to say that these brownies are the ultimate fudgy experience for those who are seeking an ultra rich treat. With Easter coming up soon (I know, I totally missed St. Patrick’s Day), I dug through my ingredients for something that, to me, always says Easter and Springtime; malted milk. The malted milk combined with browning the butter adds this candied flavor that’s like you infused them with caramel. You also adds a generous amount of melted chocolate to the batter and top the whole pan with some extra chunks!
For those of you who are crazy for the malt, I do want to tell you that it’s not extremely prominent with all the other flavors going on. Now I’m a huge malt fan so what I would do if I’d had Whoppers (malted milk ball candies), I so would have tossed a good big handful into the batter and sprinkled the top with some chopped pieces up ones for good measure. Unfortunately they don’t sell them around where I live at the moment so I was out of luck but I definitely recommend trying that because guy, Whoppers and brownies are a match made in heaven.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 3/4 cup granular sugar
- 1/2 cup malted milk powder
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 100g (about 2/3 cup) semi-sweet dark chocolate, roughly chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup flour
- 100g (about 2/3 cup) semi-sweet dark chocolate chunks or chips
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium high heat and stir constantly until it begins to darken and turn a light shade of brown. The butter will foam and you’ll have to watch carefully not to burn it. Once it starts browning, reduce heat to low and watch carefully until it darkens just a bit more then remove from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes while you gather the other ingredients.
- Carefully stir in the milk to the butter, then add the sugar and malted milk and whisk until well combined. Add the cocoa powder and dark chocolate and again, whisk until combined. Beat in the eggs, then add the vanilla, salt, soda, and flour and pour the batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle the top with the chocolate chunks or chips and bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting them into squares and serving.(P.S. these are also great chilled.)
