Embarking on a delectable journey through the world of desserts, there’s something inherently satisfying about the warmth of freshly baked brownies, especially when paired with a velvety scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yet, the dilemma arises when the desire for this delightful treat strikes, but a full tray seems excessive. Fear not, for Nigella Lawson has ingeniously crafted a solution – her recipe for Emergency Brownies. Residing in the pages of her cookbook “At My Table,” this recipe ensures that the joy of brownie indulgence is just a small batch away. Yielding two generously sized, fudgy brownies, baked in a foil tin for minimal cleanup, Nigella’s Emergency Brownies redefine the art of dessert for those moments when a modest portion is all you crave.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or golden corn syrup
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat and Mingle: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F. In a small saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and maple or golden corn syrup. Allow this delightful trio to gently warm until the butter melts, and the sugar gracefully dissolves. Once achieved, remove the pan from the heat.
- Flourish and Blend: In a separate bowl, unite the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. This trio of dry ingredients will soon dance harmoniously with the buttery mixture. Beat them together until a seamless fusion is achieved.
- Eggs and Essence: Whisk together one large egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, introducing them into the pan with the flour and cocoa concoction. Stir with finesse until the symphony of ingredients is perfectly orchestrated.
- Crunch and Chocolatey Bliss: The time has come to add texture and richness. Gently fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips, allowing them to become integral parts of the brownie masterpiece.
- Tin Transfer: Pour this decadent mixture into a 7x5x2-inch foil tin, allowing the brownies to take shape and form.
- Bake to Perfection: Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake until the brownies gracefully part from the sides, with the top revealing a tempting dryness around the edges. This typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.
- Cooling Elegance: As the divine aroma fills your kitchen, resist immediate gratification. Let the brownies cool on a wire rack for 20 to 30 minutes, ensuring that your first bite captures the perfect balance of warmth and squidge.
- Storage and Prolonged Pleasure: Any unlikely leftovers can be stored in an airtight container, preserving their allure for up to five days.
Conclusion: In less than an hour, summon the enchantment of fresh-baked, fudgy brownies for two with Nigella’s Emergency Brownies. This streamlined recipe promises a delightful escape for moments when a full tray seems excessive, yet the desire for decadence persists. Elevate your dessert experience and relish the joy of savoring warm brownies without the commitment of an entire batch. And for those enchanted by cookies, consider the option of making and freezing cookie dough, ensuring that the magic of freshly baked cookies is always within reach. Happy baking!
image source : the kitchn
