Chewy Brownies by Pixelated Crumb

chewy brownies « Pixelated Crumb

Chewy Brownies

Adapted from Cook’s Illustrated

1/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso or instant coffee (optional)
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons boiling water
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate , finely chopped
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large eggs 2 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups (17 1/2 ounces) sugar
1 3/4 cups (8 3/4 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon table salt
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate , cut into 1/2-inch pieces*

Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Make a foil sling in a 13×9 inch pan by fitting an 18-inch length of foil across the length of the pan, allowing the edges to hang over. Then place a 14-inch piece of foil perpendicular to the first, again allowing the edges to hang over. Make sure that the you carefully press in at the corners to make sure that the foil is lying smoothly. Spray the inside with nonstick cooking spray.

Whisk the cocoa, the instant coffee or espresso powder (if using), and the boiling water together in a large bowl until smooth. Add the unsweetened chocolate and whisk until chocolate is melted. Whisk in melted butter and oil. next, add the eggs, yolks, and vanilla and continue to whisk until smooth. Whisk the sugar in. Add the flour and salt and mix with a rubber spatula until combined. Fold in the bittersweet chocolate pieces. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted halfway between the edge and the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Transfer the pan to wire rack and cool 1½ hours (or until you give in to the smell of freshly baked brownies). If you are using a glass pan, transfer the brownies out of the pan after 10 minutes or they will overcook from the heat retention. Using the foil overhang, lift the brownies carefully from the pan (an extra set of hands to help support the middle is helpful). Return the brownies to wire rack and let cool completely, about 1 hour. Cut into 2-inch squares and serve.

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Many thanks PixelatedCrumbs!!!!