Here’s the story – these are truly the most fantastic brownies you’ll ever eat, and the best part is you can make them at home. Beware, they are addictive.
Here’s the rest of the story – you cannot make these brownies taste so heavenly without investing in some top quality ingredients. That’s where I made my initial mistake, I sent my husband to the grocery. The first phone call came about 30 minutes later (really are cell phones all that great?). What did I mean 60% dark chocolate? Couldn’t I just use a store brand candy bar? He ended up only buying half of what I needed because that was the package size and he didn’t want to buy two. Second call, did I really need whole almonds, because there were some little packages of sliced ones that were cheaper? Third call, did I know what my requested brand of cocoa powder cost compared to the others? Fourth call – can’t find espresso powder….. are you getting the picture? Really, I know the rules- send men to the store for milk and toilet paper and life will be easier.
When my husband returned from the grocery he said that these $100 dollar brownies better be pretty damn good. Well they are and he’s never questioned the cost again. They became known the $100 Brownies in our family. I made them recently for a group of friends who are quite skinny and health conscious and I’m pleased to report that not a crumb was left. That’s a pretty decent endorsement!
Remember that when you make these brownies, the best part is the browned butter with chocolate melted in. Eating a spoonful is part of the payment to the chef for making such a delicious treat – so don’t overlook that perk. And don’t wait for a special occasion; these brownies will make any day better!
$100 Brownies –OR- Flourless Almond and Browned Butter Brownies
Ingredients
2/3 cup whole almonds
2 sticks butter ( I really like to use salted butter for this recipe)
6 oz bittersweet chocolate( at least 60%) broken in pieces
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs
1 ½ cups sugar
2 tsp instant coffee or 1 tsp espresso
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Line an 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking pan with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
Toast almond in a small pan (line with foil for easy cleanup) for about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.
While almonds toast, start browning the butter.
In a large saucepan cook the butter over moderate heat, shaking the pan occasionally until most of the foam disappears and butter is golden and nutty smelling (See side-panel photos). This takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Stir in bittersweet chocolate and let sit for about 2 minutes to melt. (I suggest stirring and tasting!)
Let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl combine eggs, 1¼ cups sugar, and coffee.
Mix until thick and at least doubled in volume, about five minutes.
While the eggs mix, add almonds, ¼ cup sugar, ½ tsp salt and cocoa powder to a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
Add almond mixture to the mixing bowl with the eggs and mix to combine.
Add melted butter and chocolate to combine.
Scrape batter into prepared pan and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes.
Let brownies cool completely (ha!) and then refrigerate until chilled.
Makes a 16 good- sized brownies.
