Thursday, January 27, 2011

Mexican Chocolate Brownies



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...Food for themed get-togethers rarely causes a problem for a host or hostess, though dessert can occasionally be a challenge. It would be a bit ludicrous to serve flan with football fare, so over the years I've found or developed recipes a bit more fitting for these informal gatherings. My dessert plans for our Southwestern-style Super Bowl gathering, include a moist fudge-type brownie made with Mexican chocolate and ground chiles, and a homemade dulce de leche ice cream that I'll serve with a salted caramel sauce. I'll save the recipe for the ice cream for another day and just concentrate on the brownies tonight. Mexican chocolate can be difficult to find, so rather than rely on the vagaries of the market place, I use a recipe whose ingredients create a reasonable facsimile of the real deal. I think most of you would agree that brownies are among the easiest desserts that can be made. This one is no exception. My recipe for Mexican chocolate brownies is inspired by one that appeared in Gourmet magazine over 15 years ago. While it is not my favorite brownie, it is my favorite for Mexican or Southwestern themed events. I've simplified the original recipe by using store-bought almond meal, and I have added a small amount of ground chili to give the brownies an authentic flavor punch. The chocolate-chili combination is not unusual in Mexican desserts and the flavors work well together. Do not use your standard chili powder to make these brownies. It contains cumin and other additives that don't work well with the chocolate. If you cannot find a New Mexico or an Ancho chili powder, a very small amount of cayenne pepper can be substituted. These brownies are dense and moist and almost like a confection. I think they are deliciously different. I hope you will too. Here's the recipe.

Mexican Chocolate Brownies
...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite, inspired by Gourmet Magazine

Ingredients:
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup almond meal
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground pure chili powder (i.e. New Mexico or Ancho)

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a 9-inch square baking pan, knocking out excess flour. Set aside.
2) In a heavy 1-1/2-quart saucepan melt butter and chocolate over low heat, stirring, until smooth. Remove pan from heat and let chocolate cool for 10 minutes.
3) Combine almond meal and sugar in bowl of a food processor and pulse to combine. Stir mixture into chocolate mixture. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well with a wooden spoon until mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in flour, salt, cinnamon and chili powder until just combined.
4) Spread batter evenly in pan and bake in middle of oven 25 to 30 minutes, or until a tester comes out with crumbs adhering to it. Cool brownies completely in pan on a rack before cutting into 16 squares. Brownies keep, layered between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container at cool room temperature. Yield: 16 brownies.

You might also enjoy these recipes:
Mexican Wedding Cookies - Stylish Cuisine
Mexican Hot Chocolate - Elana's Pantry
Dulce de Leche Liqueur Bundt Cake - The Daily Dish
Mexican Milk Chocolate Cake - Sugar Plum
Mexican Chocolate Cake - Bless Us O Lord
Simply Amazing Fried Ice Cream - $The Thrifty Couple in the Kitchen

75 comments :

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

I've never tried Mexican chocolate, I'll have to give these a try! I have a feeling my hubby will like this recipe! Thank for sharing!

Ginny Hartzler said...

I'm trying to imagine how these would taste, I have heard of Mexican brownies, but the ones I've heard of have pot in them!! They were a big hit in the 60's. No, never had any!!

Anonymous said...

These might be good to make this weekend since I was going to make Mexican hot chocolate for the February "Forever Nigella" submission!

Priyanka said...

Wow....that looks so yummy.....need to try

Fabi said...

Oh My, how scrumptious! I love the mix chocolate+chili, I've made several times hot spicy candies and chocolates and I love them. I have to try your recipe asap. Big hug from Spain.

Laura (TLN) said...

Oh my! Once it cools down enough for the oven (VERY hot here in Sydney) that recipe is getting a test on our kitchen. :)

penny aka jeroxie said...

Chilli in cake sounds very tempting to me.

Medeja- CranberryJam said...

Those chocolate brownies are lovely and especially I like that chilli powder in them :) should taste really interesting

Katerina said...

I see that yoou are in a Mexican mood too Mary. I made burritos and your brownies would be perfect as a dessert to our meal.

xinex said...

Mmmm, I love brownies. Thanks for stopping by, Mary. I wish it were that easy, making the mess on the counter an excuse not to cook but it does not work. Hubby and I still have to eat so I make a little room on the counter to work on my ingredients....Christine

Asteri (Maria) said...

It looks so yummy!
Cheers

Priya Suresh said...

Soooo irresistible brownies,yumm!

Lynn said...

Your Super Bowl Party sounds like it will be a lot of fun! The brownies sound great:@)

Lizaboo said...

I could seriously devour these in seconds right now! Yuuuummmmy! Definately doing this one :o) xx

Jan said...

They look GOOD!

meinekueche said...

mmmmm....spices with chocolate....love love loveeee

Diane said...

I think I am going to have to stop reading your blog, I am sure I just out on weight looking at these pictures LOL. These look just so delicious. Diane

Unknown said...

Yes, I'll have the whole pan, thank you!! I love mixing chocolate with the spice from the chili powder. It just adds something wonderful to the already yummy chocolate!!
I wish I lived closer, I would invite myself over :)

Sushma Mallya said...

looks so good, very yummy..

The Food Hound said...

I'm with you-- anything involving chiles and chocolate isn't necessarily my favorite thing, but these would go SO well with a themed dinner! Cinnamon with chocolate is TOTALLY a flavor combo I love, though!

Blog is the New BLack said...

DELICIOUS!!! :)

nesrin said...

Schon lange träume ich nach Browni. Lecker!

Kim said...

Brownies are one of my favorites because I LOOOVVVE chocolate. With some heat I like it most. But with dulce de leche ice cream + caramel sauce, it's like HEAVEN! I MUST try these brownies!

Lea Ann said...

A few days ago I posted a chocolate brownie wherein a New Mexico Chili pod was used. Dry roasted and then crumbled. I think the combination is outstanding.

aipi said...

Lovely pics..and loved the chilli n chocolate combo..Loved it a lot !!

US Masala

singerinkitchen said...

These look wonderful. Yet another excuse to make brownies. I have ancho chili left! Thanks you for a wonderful recipe. What does the almond flour addition do for the texture?

carolyn bradford said...

Now I know what I'm making for a friend who is having hand surgery today! These look divine! Thanks for sharing!

PeggyR said...

Those sound yummy!

Lyndas recipe box said...

Another fantastic looking recipe Mary. I think we will love these tasty treats and they'll be perfect when I make Mexican food.
Have a wonderful day!

Deana Sidney said...

Mary, I love any kind of brownie and your addition of the almond meal really catches my eye... I have a disk of mexican chocolate... brownies look awfully good in this snowy weather we are having!

Anonymous said...

The cinnamon / chile powder combo works wonders ... try a handful of pepitas as well for something familiar and yet oh so different. Cheers!

sally said...

Is it bad to want a brownie at 7:45 in the morning? After reading your post I'm really craving one!

Banana Wonder said...

Your brownies are making me drool on my keyboard! I love the chili and cinnamon and almond additions. I am so book marking this recipe.

Chats the Comfy Cook said...

Recently, I have been adding cinnamon to almost all my chocolate recipes and sometimes, I sneak in some pepper. Chile sounds as if it might be even, a better idea. I have never made Mexican brownies but I know I will like them.

Thanks for this wonderful recipe, Mary.

pigpigscorner said...

You can never go wrong with brownies! I tried a chili chocolate bar once and loved it, looks like it's time for some spicy brownies!

Clint said...

Looks really good and something a little different, which is always appreciated by the group.

A few years ago I sank into the habit of eating my brownies with vanilla ice cream. You think the Mexican variety of brownie would go with ice cream?

teresa said...

i've always wanted to try these. everytime i make brownies, it's tempting to throw in a little chili powder just to see what it would taste like. they look lovely!

Monet said...

This couldn't have come at a better time! I'm hosting a dinner party tomorrow night, and we are eating Mexcican food. Ryan wanted brownies...and now I have a fun recipe to try! Thank you for sharing!

Karolina said...

I have made them for my butchers last week to say thank you for lovely beef bones they supply me with for free. :) They are absolutely fantastic. Brownies. Butchers too. ;)

Thanks for visiting my blog, Mary! :)

Anonymous said...

Very nice to meet you Mary. I look forward to trying these for the first time. Wishing you a great afternoon.

Joanne said...

The Mexican chocolate in these definitely takes them from being just-another-brownie to being something truly special!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

The next time I am in the States I plan to keep my eyes open for some mexican chocolate.

That Girl said...

Have I mentioned how much I would love to come to your superbowl party?

Carol said...

You come up with the best recipes, Mary! This looks fantastic! Brownies with a kick of flavor! Putting these on the list to try!

briarrose said...

Oh my these look fantastic. I really must try these.

Valérie said...

Oh, these brownies look so moist and delicious! I love sweets that have a hint of spice!

~~louise~~ said...

Mexican Chocolate Brownies and a Southwestern-style Super Bowl party! I am so there. I bet they would be outstanding on top of a big "bowl" of Mexican Fried Ice Cream! Although, homemade dulce de leche ice cream sounds pretty darn good too!

Oh my, I'm so hungry right now! Thanks for sharing, Mary...

The Blonde Duck said...

I have a longtime addiction to Mexican vanilla!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Your themed SuperBowl day sounds like it will be perfect. Do you care who wins?

Fondly,
Glenda

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness I am drooling! I am ALWAYS searching for Mexican hot chocolate and/or spicy dark chocolate bars...these are a MUST MUST try. And I am not a big baker but for these...I'll glady take the risk!

Chiara said...

that looks so yummy Mary !I'll have to give these a try,have a good day...

Kankana said...

Hot chocolate browie ...mm.mm.mmmm!!

Joy (The Herbed Kitchen) said...

Mary, thank you so much for your very kind comment about my photographs and blog. It comes at the perfect time as on Saturday I'll be trotting off to the farmer's market as a vendor for the first time in a few years. The only change will be that I'm selling photography this time and I've been feeling a little nervous about it, so thank you.

I'm looking forward to trying these brownies. I'm an unabashed chocolate lover. I had a bad experience with a spicy chocolate before but I do like that your brownies have just a hint. I'm looking forward to making them!

Splendid Sass said...

Oh my goodness. Love brownies and will have to try these!! Can't wait to get the ice cream recipe!
Hope that your week is going well. I am now following you.
Teresa
xoxo

muppy said...

I am a huge fan of chocolate and chilli, so this sounds great. Never tried it in a brownie before....will have to give it a go!

Marguerite said...

These brownies look and sound divine! It's a great idea to add the chili powder and I love the addition of the almond meal, too! My mouth is watering!

Anonymous said...

I want to make these since you have almond flour in them! YUM!

Tasha said...

While I'd admittedly most likely be a bit more intrested in the dulce le leche ice cream, I'd definitely have to try a bite or two of these just to experience the chili and chocolate combination! With the sounds of the spread you will be serving, your guests are some lucky people.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

OH MY! I didn't have a birthday cake...this is SO tempting! I love the spice of Mexican chocolate! ♥♥

Catherine said...

Oh, Mary! These sound soooo good! I will be sure to give these a try. I love sweet and a bit of spicy. Blessings, Catherine

kitchen flavours said...

This looks wonderful. I have always wanted to try chocolate with chili, but as usual, never got round to it! Will have to give this a try. Thank you!

Julie said...

These look so delicious! We're heading to Mexico in a week. I think I should make them to celebrate :)

bea m said...

these look amazing! i can't wait to try them! i love the combination of spice and chocolate.

Faith said...

Oh my goodness, you read my mind, Mary...I just made brownies today! I wish I had seen your recipe before I made mine because I love the spices in yours! Thanks for the idea, I'm bookmarking for the next time I make brownies!

Anonymous said...

Oh yeah!! Look at these rich and decadent brownies! Wish I had one right now! :)

PFx said...

mmmm... One of my wishlist is to go and savour mexican chocolate. The addition of almond and cinnamon. Lingering. Melting. Lovely.

Vagabonde said...

Almond meal and chili! I’ll have to try that. For me brownies are part of the basic food group one needs to eat as often as possible…I’ll have to bake these for sure.

Mickey said...

Yum! I love the chocolate spicy combination. Have to try your recipe soon.
mickey

Choclette said...

Mary, if you find Mexican chocolate hard to find where you are, I think it would be near impossible to find any here in Cornwall. I do like a bit of chilli in my chocolate and chilli brownies are on my list. I have a recipe for a Mexican chocolate pudding which I have yet to try too. Yours look delicious.

Mickey said...

D.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s!

mickey

Candace said...

Chocolate and Chile....Salt and Caramel....marriages made in heaven. Love them all so much!

cocoa and coconut said...

You are making my stomach grumble! Ha, not a good idea to look at tempting brownie images at 9.30am.

Lucie said...

I love the almost imperceptible kick you get by adding chiles to a brownie--sounds great!

Wendy@The Omnivorous Bear said...

Mary, I have been searching for THE recipe for chilli chocolate brownies.. we had them for the first time on our honeymoon in an out of the way restaurant in Hanalei on Kauai, Hawaii (and how exotic chilli chocolate seemed to us Brits then!) and you know what? I think this may be what I have been searching for. Yippee!

Unknown said...

I found a store in London where they sell all these mexican goodies, but I relocated to Hull UK. Im struggling to find a store over here to get that, does anybody know a store in Hull or even Leeds, Manchester where I can get mexican chocolate, chili, etc? I cannot live without them lol. cheers!!

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