Fudgy Brownies

Brownies are always delicious; whether they are dense and fudgy, moist and chewy, or light and cakey. I'm a chocolate lover, so my favorite brownies are the fudgy-gooey chocolatey kind. I've finally perfected my recipe for a fudgy brownie, and my secret lies in using chocolate instead of cocoa. I find that starting the recipe with a rich chocolate ganache helps to create that moist texture that I am looking for, and makes the brownies extra delicious. I then take it the extra step by glazing the brownies with a rich chocolate ganache...this is definitely a decadent chocolate dessert!

Ingredients:

Brownies:
1 cup (8 oz.) dark chocolate*
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Ganache Glaze:
1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate*
1/2 cup unsalted butter

*Ghirardelli and Godiva are my favorite brands for baking. You may use either chocolate chips or chocolate bars for this recipe, it really doesn't make much of a difference. If using bars, be sure to chop the chocolate, as it will melt easier.

Directions:

Brownies:
Preheat your oven to 350F. Line an 8 x 8 baking pan with parchment paper, and lightly grease with butter.








In a saucepan, gently heat the chocolate, butter, and light brown sugar over very low heat. Stir constantly until the butter and chocolate have melted, then remove from heat.







Pour the chocolate mixture into a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Add the white sugar and stir.

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing vigorously to combine. Then stir in the vanilla extract and the salt.

Sprinkle in the flour, half at a time, and stir gently to combine. Mix batter for about 20 seconds by hand.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted about two inches from one corner of the pan comes out clean.

Cool brownies completely before glazing.
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Chocolate Ganache Glaze:
Heat the chocolate and butter in a small saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly.

Once melted, remove from heat and stir vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, or until the chocolate ganache is shiny.





Allow the ganache to cool for approximately 5 minutes, then pour it over the cooled brownies in the pan.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set.

Once set, slice the brownies into squares, and use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan. Enjoy with a tall glass of milk!