Friday, May 22, 2009

Classic Fudgy Chocolate Brownie

I am sure everyone has decisions to make everyday in their lives. Whether it is BIG or small , the outcome may just be a life altering turn for us. Okay, I am not talking about choosing eggs or toast for breakfast kind of thing here, but decisions like to continue a career path or choosing the education system for the children or even to sell or rent your house etc. Lately my husband and I are under major pressure on making such decisions. *sigh* It's so haunting for me that I could hardly sleep in some nights or even wake up in the middle of the night thinking about it! I know, some people will be like "Heck it! Live life as it comes man!" But seriously, I can't. I believe life is what you make it and the choices you make everyday. Furthermore I'm that kind of person that thinks too much into things and slightly paranoia.

Deep in my heart, I know no matter how much I hate coming to a final decision, it will still involve heartaches and loss. *sigh* So I pray everyday, hoping everything will turn out for the best, no matter which path we choose.....so please give me strength!!

Sorry for been so "heavy-hearted" today, but these issues have been bothering me and I just need to let it out, thanks for patiently staying on and reading my problems. ;) Anyway, I should probably get on with my post and not bore everyone any longer! ;-P Today I really needed some major comfort food....need I say more my friend? It's none other then the classic rich, fudgy chocolate brownie, THE best remedy for anxiety, lack of sleep and indecisiveness, haha!
I extracted this recipe from Essential of Baking from William Sonoma, but made changes to it to suit my taste buds. ;)

Ingredients for Rich Chocolate Brownie:
185g quality unsweetened chocolate (I used 85% Lindt instead)
185g unsalted butter
3 large eggs
300g caster sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
155g all purpose flour
1 cup mini chocolate chips / quality chopped semisweet chocolate

Method:
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C. Butter, then line with parchment and butter again a 8inch by 8inch square baking tin.
  • Place the chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler placed over barely simmering water. Heat, stirring often until the butter and chocolate has melted. Remove and let cool.
  • In a large mixing bow, beat eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt till well blended.
  • Sprinkle all of the flour over the egg mixture and stir till everything is incorporated.
  • Stir in chocolate chips and stir well.
  • Pour batter into prepare tin and bake in the oven for 30 to 33 minutes. Do not over bake as it will become dry and the cake will not yield a fudgy texture.
  • Remove from oven and leave on rack to cool before slicing. Enjoy!
I have opt to cut the cake into nice little heart shapes because it looks real nice instead of the boring old squares. Don't worry, me and my hubby ate up most of the crumby sides, haha! Nothing goes to waste here I tell you. ;)
Bittting into one of these rich, chocolaty cake really transport me far away from my troubles...well at least for that few minutes, haha! Okay, I'm not that kind of people that likes to run away from problems, but being able to enjoy that few moments of blissfulness is sweet! It's really quite heavenly, my kind of comfort food! Try it and you will know what I mean. ;)

14 comments:

Quinn said...

Your brownies look really dense and fudgy. Love fudgy brownies!

Honey Bee Sweets said...

Thanks Quinn! Indulge yourself and make some today. ;)

Kitchen Corner said...

wow.. lovely brownie! I like this dense and fudgy brownie. Thanks for sharing, will add into my to-do list. Cheers!

Honey Bee Sweets said...

Hi Grace,
Heehee, not like your healthy type of brownie though. ;)But pls do try it out, I'm sure you'll like it too! ;D

Elyse said...

Brownies absolutely are the best remedy :) I know you'll end up making the right decisions. Like you, I stress and have trouble with my indecisiveness, but it always works out! You will come to the right decision; I know you will. In the mean time, eat these brownies because they sure look good!

Honey Bee Sweets said...

Thanks so much Elyse! You are like the coffee boost in the morning! I'm already energized and not so troubled, haha!

ReeseKitchen said...

Hi Bee Bee, thank you so much for the brownies, i love the topping so much. Will try it out soon...

Farrah, Kong and Little Sora said...

Bee..., you and your other half are some of the most sensible and reliable people that I have ever met. So I have no doubt that whichever decision that you both decide to walk into, it will work out for the best for you and your family. But I still want to plug this - Please pick to come bach here!! The weather has been glorious these past few days. :)

Honey Bee Sweets said...

Hi Reese,

Glad you like them. Yeah usually brownies has this shiny yet crackly top. Do try them...they are such a treat when you have a chocolate craving. ;)

Honey Bee Sweets said...

Hi Fang fang,
You know it's so hard to decide, I wish I can just throw a dice and call it that. *sigh* No worries, me and W will keep u & K posted. :) Yeah, we miss the weather back in California! All those summer fruits!

Charmaine said...

Hi, I came across your blog whilst doing a search for pulut tai tai images. Love your recipes, esp this classic fudgy chocolate brownie.

Honey Bee Sweets said...

Hi Charming,

Welcome to my food blog! Glad to know that you like some of my posted recipes. Happy baking and come again soon. ;)

agapejen said...

Hi
Just wonder if the brownie is on the sweet side cos you actually use 300g of sugar?

Honey Bee Sweets said...

Hi agapejen,
If I can remember correctly, this brownie is indeed on the sweet side. Even though I have already reduced the sugar from 375g to 300g. You will be surprise on the amount of sugar is used in some of these American cakes! If you like, try reducing it further. But the texture (softness) of the cake might be affected too. Try substitute with milk to increase the moisture. :) Have fun!