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Big Black Dog: Snow-flecked Brownies

October 15, 2009

Snow-flecked Brownies


It is so cold outside! We seem to be having bitter cold weather where temperatures are going below 20 degrees and then the next day is a gorgeous, brisk fall day. I know this is typical for the Midwest but geesh already..make up your mind!

Being we're having such wild temperature swings with many record breaking colds, I though Nigella's recipe for Snow-Capped Brownies was in order. And I was ready for an ooey gooey, fattening, chocolate snack! In fact so much in the mood for something fattening that I decided to throw in some Mascarpone Cheese. And they were rich and gooey and delicious!

I did cut this recipe in half and made it in an 8"by8" baking dish. Nigella chose white chocolate dots as her snow and added to the mix before baking. But for my Illinois snow I grated white chocolate and sprinkled it on top and because we're still technically in fall, I added some colored leaves as well.




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Snow-flecked Brownies
Recipe adapted from Nigella Lawson

13 ounces unsalted butter
13 ounces best-quality dark chocolate
6 eggs
12 ounces sugar
1 tablespoon real vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon fine salt
9 ounces white chocolate chips, or good white chocolate, chopped (I skipped)
Approximately 2 teaspoons powdered sugar, for dusting (I skipped)

My additions:
1/2 c. Mascarpone Cheese, room temperature
Grated White Chocolate
Fall sprinkles

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Line the sides and base of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper.

Melt the butter and dark chocolate together in a large heavy based pan over a low heat.

In a bowl or large measuring glass, beat the eggs together with the sugar and vanilla extract. Blend in the softened Mascarpone Cheese.

Allow the chocolate mixture to cool a little, then add the egg and sugar mixture and beat well. Fold in the flour and salt. Then stir in the white chocolate. Beat just to combine and then scrape into the prepared pan.

Bake for about 25 minutes. You can see when the brownies are ready because the top dries to a slightly paler brown speckle, while the middle remains dark, dense and gooey.

To serve, cut into squares while still warm and pile up on a large plate, sprinkling with powdered sugar pushed with a teaspoon through a small sieve and dotting with birthday candles as you go. Set alight and enjoy the festive scene.

I topped with Ganache, recipe below. Then sprinkled with grated white chocolate and leaf sprinkles.



Chocolate Ganache

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch salt

Place the chocolate in a heat proof container, I use my glass Pyrex 4-cup measure. Heat the cream in the microwave until it's just hot. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and gently stir until the chocolate is completely melted. Stir in the vanilla and salt.



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Please visit I heart Cooking Clubs and see what everyone is up too this week. As always our hostesses are Deb of Kahkai Kitchen and Heather of GirliChef.



Foodie Friday is graciously hosted by Michael of Designs by Gollum. Please visit Designs by Gollum and see more wonderful creations!









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30 Comments:

Blogger Brian the old man said...

What are you trying to do to me? The chocolate oozing down the sides looks so scrumptious! They look so tempting. YUM!!!

October 15, 2009 at 2:47 AM  
Blogger natalia said...

Ciao Michelle ! I love your 'scary' dogs !!! The brownie sounds great and the decorations too !!

October 15, 2009 at 5:32 AM  
Blogger susan said...

This picture makes me want to run to the kitchen and start baking!---or drive to a bakery and eat in the car :) How in the world did you get those dogs to cooperate for that picture??? Did you really? I love it!

October 15, 2009 at 5:41 AM  
Blogger Michelle said...

Susan, Yes, my dogs really did cooperate for the picture. I just put them in a sit/stay, put the head pieces on and snapped the picture. The dog in the clown wig is a therapy dog and as long as the costume does not get too hot, she will wear just about anything.

October 15, 2009 at 6:03 AM  
Blogger NKP said...

I love how you adapted your brownies for the weather!
We have been unseasonably cold here too - brr - but I think you have it even worse!
They look decadent and delicious, perfect midnight sneaks. :)

October 15, 2009 at 6:07 AM  
Blogger The Quintessential Magpie said...

Girl, you are going to make me blow my diet! Look at how good those are, Michelle! YUM!

I will trade you some warm air for some cool. We are having 90 degree weather of late.

XO,

Sheila :-)

October 15, 2009 at 9:22 AM  
Blogger Kim said...

Those are some festive and killer looking brownies. Doesn't mascarpone make everything taste better? Ganache topping - delicious!! Awesome choice.

October 15, 2009 at 10:38 AM  
Blogger Manuela said...

*Giggles* Your dogs ready for halloween is too funny. And that brownie? Oh mama mia.... I don't even know what to say.... I *heart* chocolate!!!!
Btw, I bought the sprinkles to make your cookies on a stick recipe soon. All I need are the popsicle sticks.
Oh, last thing, I enjoyed visiting I heart cooking clubs. Thanks for sharing. :)

October 15, 2009 at 11:22 AM  
Blogger Deb in Hawaii said...

OK, I could definitely go for one (or more) of these for a midnight sneak! Love the decorations on them too.

October 15, 2009 at 5:34 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

oh yum!! loving the dripping chocolate.

October 15, 2009 at 7:14 PM  
Blogger Kathleen said...

Pass the milk! They look delicious...

October 15, 2009 at 8:44 PM  
Blogger bj said...

If you'll come over and bring me a brownie, I'll give ya a piece of the fudge at my place!!!
xo bj

October 15, 2009 at 10:21 PM  
Blogger Chats the Comfy Cook said...

These brownies are outrageous. I love the changes you made. They look great,especially the chocolate dripping over the side.

October 16, 2009 at 12:38 AM  
Blogger Poppedijne said...

Whaw these look yummie!

October 16, 2009 at 2:42 AM  
Blogger Allison Shops said...

Mmm....Breakfast! lol Love the chocolate dripping down the side. Thanks for sharing.

October 16, 2009 at 4:42 AM  
Blogger Lori E said...

I made brownies last week. I was very good and only ate one. Yup. Now you got me going again and I don't think I have any will power left.

October 16, 2009 at 8:24 AM  
Blogger Mary Bergfeld said...

Got chocolate :-). These look wonderful. I hope you are having a great day.

October 16, 2009 at 10:22 AM  
Anonymous Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

I love your banner photo!!!

Now, about those brownies....yummmmmm...

October 16, 2009 at 10:50 AM  
Blogger Patricia @ ButterYum said...

I can tell you are a baker after my own heart... hard to find scratch bakers these days... and I'm sad to say most people don't have a clue what ganache is! Anyway, nice blog!!


:)
ButterYum

October 16, 2009 at 10:51 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I love chocolate and this recipe has that and more. THANKS!!! Geri

October 16, 2009 at 12:20 PM  
Blogger Tami @ Creative girl Vintage said...

Now I'm really hungry! I love the pics of the dogs in their costumes. Just the cutest! Thank you for sharing! I could eat that entire pan of brownies!
Happy pink Saturday..xo Tami

October 17, 2009 at 2:04 PM  
Blogger Heather S-G said...

Holy Cow! I would sneak every hour on the hour for one of these!!!! Brownies are one of my major weaknesses...and this one looks so moist and gooey...yum!

October 17, 2009 at 4:08 PM  
Blogger Julie said...

Looks awesome...that ganache makes my mouth water!

October 17, 2009 at 5:20 PM  
Blogger Nancy said...

Stopped by for PS and stayed way too long! Will most likely try the sugar cookie recipe. That is always a challenge for me.

Loved the renovation stories. Thanks so much for taking time to show us.

October 17, 2009 at 6:03 PM  
Blogger ♥Mimi♥ said...

Sorry I'm a little late. Seems like when the sun is out I feel a desperate need to go outside and run errands or just life my face to the heavens and soak in the last rays before winter hits my neck of the woods.

It's always so much fun to share in the pink goodness of the blogs gathered together for Pink Saturday. A collection of some of the nicest women and prettiest blogs in cyberspace!

Those Rotties look just too cute!

Wishing you a weekend filled with l♥ve and sunshine!

October 17, 2009 at 7:53 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Ooooo these look delish! I love the ganache oozing off the sides :) BTW your new header is hilarious! Such cute pups.

October 18, 2009 at 5:57 PM  
Anonymous Paula - bell'alimento said...

Michelle! Those are so stinkin gawgeous! I'm drooling. & WOW, I must say your dogs in costume are too cute!

October 19, 2009 at 12:00 AM  
Blogger glamah16 said...

Those brownies look luscious!Love your doggies costumes. So cute and they are good sports!

October 19, 2009 at 9:40 PM  
Blogger Ju (The Little Teochew) said...

This is decadent and fitting of a treat by the fireplace! I can only imagine how cold it is where you live. It's sooo very hot and humid here. I need 3 baths a day!

October 21, 2009 at 5:18 AM  
Blogger Maria said...

I love your brownies. So fun!

October 25, 2009 at 7:44 PM  

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