BROWNIE CHRISTMAS IDEAS RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4.
  2. Tear off a large piece of greaseproof paper, scrunch it up under cold water, then unfold and use it to line a 20cm square baking tin.
  3. Snap the chocolate into a heatproof bowl, dice the butter and add with a pinch of sea salt. Melt over a pan of gently simmering water, stirring regularly, then remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly.
  4. Crack the eggs into a large bowl, then add the sugar and whisk until light, pale and fluffy.
  5. Sieve in the flour, followed by the cocoa. Whisk to combine, then fold through the melted chocolate.
  6. Spoon the mixture into the lined tin and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until crisp on the outside but slightly wobbly.
  7. Leave to cool in the tin for 15 minutes before slicing and serving warm – delicious with vanilla ice cream, crushed hazelnuts and caramel popcorn.

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Line a 24cm square baking tin with greaseproof paper.
  2. Snap the chocolate into a large bowl, add the butter and place over a pan of simmering water, until melted, stirring regularly. Stir through the cherries and nuts (if using).
  3. Sift the cocoa powder and flour into a separate bowl, add the baking powder and sugar, then mix together.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the chocolate, cherry and nut mixture and stir together well. Beat the eggs, then mix in until you have a silky consistency.
  5. Pour the brownie mix into the baking tin, and place in the oven for around 25 minutes. You don’t want to overcook them so, unlike cakes, you don’t want a skewer to come out clean – the brownies should be slightly springy on the outside but still gooey in the middle.
  6. Allow to cool in the tray, then carefully transfer to a large chopping board and cut into chunky squares. Delicious served with a dollop of crème fraîche or yoghurt mixed with some orange zest.