This was my first attempt at cooking with premium chocolate from Lindt.
Usually, I like making a recipe a week or so in advance of a party and use my family
as guinea pigs to test it out. I require my hostesses to take a leap of faith
and make it for their guests at a Lindt Chocolate R.S.V.P. chocolate tasting party.
So, here I am demonstrating how easy it is, as I prepare for my own launch party!
"Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. (180 degrees Celsius)
Grease an 8x8 inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper. "
(I have to be honest - I never spring for the parchment paper,
and my recipes always turn out great without it.)
Begin by chopping 3 bars (3.5oz/100g)
one version of this recipe calls for three Swiss Bittersweet bars
another version calls for two bittersweet and one Excellence 70% Cocoa bars
yet one more version calls for three Excellence 70% Cocoa bars
I made two batches of brownies, to the first verson I added walnuts,
and to the second version I omitted the nuts.
"Melt the chopped chocolate and 1/3 cup butter in a sauce pan or double boiler
over low heat. Stir constantly. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly."
In this step, I melted the butter seperately in the microwave first. Since I don't own a fancy (and expensive!) double boiler, I put a glass bowl over a simmering pot of water on the stove to melt the chocolate. Once the chocolate had cooled slightly, I stirred the butter into the chocolate.
"Beat together the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt until well combined."
"Add the melted chocolate, and beat gently by hand
or on a low setting on a mixer until evenly incorporated."
"Add the flour and walnuts, and mix until just combined."
(Don't use the mixer to combine the flour with the liquids when making brownies.
It's important not to overmix. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.)
"Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake approximately 20 minutes."
Don't forget to enjoy the spatula and the beaters!
**Disclaimer: We raise our own chickens, using the very freshest eggs,
so no worries about salmonella here!**
Yes, my oven needs to be cleaned because I use it. Frequently.
Oh, yeah, don't those brownies look good?!
Yield: Approx. 25 small brownies
Cooking with Lindt Chocolate has opened up a whole new world of baking to me!
Here is my challenge, right from the Lindt chocolate R.S.V.P. Catalog:
"Start Traditions That Create Lasting Memories."
Lindt chocolates are the perfect ingredient.
