The Perfect Chocolate Brownie
Brownies are a favourite for everyone – whether it's plain, nutty or fruit filled, served hot or cold, abundances of people like to indulge in a brownie. But, what makes a good one and how can you make your own? Here's a handy guide to let you in on a few secrets, including the perfect recipe…
Gooey Middle
You need to have a slightly gooey centre in your brownie, as there's nothing more disappointing than biting into one only to realise it's all hard and dusty. You need an oozy middle, or quite frankly, it's just not the perfect brownie. The key here is to not overcook the brownie and to serve it fresh – if the brownie's eaten a few days after it's been cooked, then it may lose its gooeyness.
Crunch on the Outside
As well as the gooey centre, you need a certain crunch on the shell of your brownie. Of course, this can't be charred or burn, as that would almost certainly ruin the taste, so timing is key here. There is nothing better than the crunch of the outside and then the gooeyness of the centre. Using plenty of sugar can help to crisp up the outside and provide an exquisite brownie.
Unexpected Extras and Secret Ingredients
To give your brownies that extra unexpected edge, you should include something special inside them. Consider fruit, such as cherries, orange or peaches, nuts, chunks of chocolate, pieces of fudge, marshmallows, or even something like popping candy.
The Recipe
This is a recipe for amazing gooey brownies with the secret ingredient of beetroot, which gives the brownies the perfect consistency. Give it a go and add any extras you think are necessary. You could even make these as Valentine's Day chocolate gifts, and they're perfect for food hampers if you're planning a picnic.
200g butter
200g dark chocolate
100g plain flour
50g cocoa powder
100g chopped chocolate (milk, white)
3 eggs
3 beetroots
Any extras
1. Melt the butter and chocolate and mix together. Pre-heat your oven to 180C.
2. Boil your beetroot (cut into cubes) until tender and then blend or food process with the butter/chocolate mix.
3. Mix the eggs and sugar and then spoon in the beetroot/chocolate mix. Then sift in the flour and cocoa powder and you have your mix. Now is the time to add any of your extras, so throw in nuts, chocolate chunks, or whatever you have chosen.
4. Pour into a buttered baking tin and bake for 25-30 minutes.
5. Slice and serve hot or cold.