Boozy Brownies with Everclear
Who doesn’t love dessert? And a dessert with a little alcohol in it will certainly elevate the flavors! Yes, Everclear Grain Alcohol can also be added to a dessert recipe so, with the magic of Everclear’s flavor enhancing properties, let’s add it to chocolate! Thinking outside the box, I came up with a great addition to the traditional chocolate brownie: A Boozy Brownie!
I often find that blending different chocolate profiles really adds depth to the chocolaty flavor. By all means if you're only a dark chocolate fan, then stick with it. I like to say, “use what you like” your palette will ultimately allow for the perfect combination of flavors. Trust me, if you love it ...they will too!
My personal tip, beware it’s sinful and this is my personal favorite tip: Once the entire batter is complete and just before you add the mixture to the baking dish..wait for it... ADD MORE CHOCOLATE CHIPS! How many you ask? At least ⅓ cup. ( But, I wont judge if you add more!)
Adding this little extra kick of chips not only gives you that lush and gooey texture, but now it's packed with a chocolate punch. I also like the chips poking through the brownies. Make sure when checking on the doneness of the brownies (about 25min) you are going to want the toothpick, fork or knife NOT to come out clean. You will want it to be a bit gooey. Actually, the bars will set up a little more as they rest until cool. I like to set my timer for 20 minutes then check the brownies at this stage. It's always easy to add time, you certainly can't take time back (I know, bummer!).
These brownies are ready to go as is, BUT I couldn’t stop without making a topping!
I opted for a chocolate ganache. A ganache is easy to make and has a bit thicker consistency than say a buttercream frosting. You can also garnish with your choice of berries (raspberries,strawberries) for a complete look and taste.
Ingredients:
3 oz dark chocolate ( ½ cup) a 60% bittersweet Guitard is preferred but you can use any type of chocolate you like or even blend bittersweet with milk chocolate as an option.
¾ cup sugar ( you can use sugar substitute, Monk fruit)
½ cup unsalted butter ( 1-stick) plus a little extra to grease the pan
¼ cup - 50ML Everclear
2 large organic eggs
1 cup all purpose flour
PREPARATION:
1.Melt butter and Chocolate in a double boiler (* you can microwave, melt for 25 sec, whisk and repeat until melted smooth chocolate butter mixture)
2.Add sugar to the mixture and whisk well
3.Add the everclear & mix well checking to make sure the mixture is blended and cool
4.Add two eggs to the cooled down mixture ( make sure the mixture is cool so not to cook the eggs
5. Add the flour into the mixture and mix well. Make sure the mixture is uniform.
6. Transfer the batter to a greased pan and bake at 350 degrees. Bake for about 25 min or until a fork inserted comes out almost clean. We want it to be a bit moist and gooey unlike a cake.
7. Cool on a wired rack for about 15 min.
8. Cut into bars.
Secret tip...once the batter is ready i like to add ½ cup of chocolate chips for an added gooeyness.