How to Bake a Perfect Brownie
Everybody relishes a great snack from time to time, especially on the dull and sleepless nights. So how do we cope with these midnight longings without having to put a great effort into cooking? This essay may save you from wandering. In my case, I’m a cake enthusiast who loves eating sugary treats when feeling depressed or frustrated. Snacks like candy, biscuits, cakes, and so forth never fail to help me get back on my feet; speaking of which, chocolate brownies are one of my favorites among all. However, the only experience I have when it comes to baking are in home economics classes, and the outcomes were nothing more than edible. So how does one as inexperienced as I bake a perfect brownie in merely an hour? Check out the five steps below and find out about this perfect recipe!
Above all, in preparation for a delicious 12-serving brownie, you need to have the following ingredients: 100g of butter, 200g of dark chocolate, 4 eggs, 250g of golden caster sugar (granulated sugar will also do), 100g of plain flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 30g of unsweetened cocoa powder. Regardless, these measurements aren’t unalterable; for instance, adjust the amount of sugar if you prefer a lighter taste. For variations, you can also lay your hands on some chocolate chunks, different kinds of nuts, baby marshmallows, or other alternatives to your liking if a plain brownie couldn’t meet your high standards. Once you have all the ingredients, it’s time for the fun part!
To start, set up and preheat your oven to approximately 175 degrees C (or 350 degrees F) for later use. Meanwhile, line your pan with parchment paper so your brownie wouldn’t stick to the pan surface. Additionally, a metal pan would create crispier crusts and edges; as for a glass pan, you may need to add up to 5 minutes of baking time for such texture. Up next, melt the butter and chocolate together using a microwave or a double boiler then set aside to chill. While the mixture is cooling down to room temperature, whisk the eggs and sugar together by hand or with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Notice not to overbeat, a meringue that is too stiff could affect the fudgy consistency we are expecting.
Secondly, fold the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until they are thoroughly combined. Then, sift on the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Continue with the folding until the batter is evenly mixed. If you overdo this action, air pockets may form and lead to cake-like textured brownies. By the way, for those of you who don’t know what folding means, it is a specific term in baking meaning that you combine a light ingredient into a much heavier one with the special technique where you blend the two following an outside-in oriented action with a rubber scraper. This process enables you to incorporate air into the batter and determines how the texture of your baked goods turns out.
Thirdly, add some stuffings or sprinkle on some decorations to bring your batter to the next level. Anything from chocolate chips, crushed nuts, and dried fruits to baby marshmallows will make your brownie more presentable. Feel free to utilize your imagination and formulate a personalized brownie recipe. On one hand, the addition of chocolate chips makes a fudgier interior; on the other hand, dried raspberries put in an acid taste that complements the sweetness of chocolate. For example, I’d prefer some marshmallows blended in the batter and a few almond slices sprinkled on top to create a contrast of crunchiness and creaminess. Afterward, pour your batter in the prepared pan and smooth it out. Sequentially, put it in the oven. You’re all wrapped up! The last thing you need to do is waiting for 25-30 minutes. Nevertheless, do notice that your brownie should come out with a cracked top and middle just set. If the brownie seems ready within 25 minutes, turn off the oven still and vice versa.
Winding up, let your freshly baked brownie cool entirely before slicing. Simultaneously, if you wish to make your tasty treat more desirable, do try to make frosting or garnish by all means. For example, put a scoop of ice cream on top of the brownie, squeeze on some whipped cream following by drizzles of syrup; there’s your sundae brownie! To ensure a perfect finale, I’d like to recommend two kinds of delightful tea to even out the sweetness of the brownie and elevate its taste to another level. Firstly, the earl grey: not only is it one of the most famous teas in the world, but it also has a natural sweetness which works like a charm with many sweet snacks like brownies, scones or other afternoon tea choices. Another personal favorite is the Assam black tea, famous for its rich, sometimes even astringent flavor. With a little bit of milk, this combination of brownie and tea feels like a paradise in your palate.
In conclusion, to make a perfect brownie, you need to complete these five steps: First, preparing all the ingredients and utensils beforehand. Second, making your egg and chocolate mixture while the oven heats up. Third, folding the two mixtures together cautiously. Forth, adding some stuffing or decorations to make your brownie even more splendid. Last but not least, managing a superb garnishing and presentation of your brownie. Most importantly, enjoy the whole process of baking and have fun. If you do so, I guarantee that the result would be worth the wait as a consequence of your time and effort.




Reference
Olive magazine.(2018). Best ever classic chocolate brownies. Retrieved from https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/baking-and-desserts/classic-chocolate-brownies/
The stay at home chef.(2019). Best brownie recipe ever. Retrieved from https://thestayathomechef.com/brownie-recipe/