"Bare-it-all" Brandy Brownies


“Inspired by conversation
Fuelled by thought,
These not-so-nudes
Are not store bought.
On 12 am chats,
With bites of trouble,
They’ll make you do things
You could only mumble.
Spark that scandal hot
Be brave, show some skin,
Doubled with chocolaty energy
It’s a win win”
Picture yourself with the kick
Start a new trend,
But careful, don’t click send
To the wrong friends!”
Ingredients
200 gm dark chocolate (I used 75% cadburys semi sweet)
113 gm unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 cup wholewheat flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Hershey's)
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
3 tablespoons brandy
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup baking chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional- I am not a fan so I didn't add them)
Glaze
½ cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons brandy
50 gm baking chocolate pieces or 1 cup baking choco chips (60% dark or semi-sweet)
Heat the butter and chocolate over a pot of boiling water till its melted and well blended. Remove from heat, add the sugar and cocoa, mix well and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, add the brandy and vanilla essence. Mix well and beat for a few minutes. Add in the eggs, one by one, beating well after each addition. Sometimes the mixture may curdle a bit when the egg meets the brandy, but don't worry, beat it well and it'll come back together. Lastly, add in the flour, milk, choco chips and nuts (if you're using them). Fold in the mixture till all ingredients are well mixed.
Grease a baking tray. Pre heat the over to 350 degree F. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or till a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Do not overbake or the brownies will turn out dry. Cool and cut into small pieces.
Optional Glazing
Soak the dried cranberries overnight in 2 tablespoons of brandy till they re-hydrate. Transfer them to a non-stick pan and cook them down for 1-2 minutes on medium heat -enough for them to become soft, but not enough for the alcohol to evaporate.
Melt the chocolate pieces in the microwave at high for 1 minute. Stir till all the chocolate has melted and is smooth. Dip each brownie in the chocolate and top with piece of the cranberry. Cool and serve.