Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chopped Paprenjak (Croatian honey-spiced cookie)
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and set aside.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer.
4. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Add the cocoa powder and mix until combined.
7. Fold in the chopped Paprenjak.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 12-16 bars
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the all-purpose flour, you can substitute with gluten-free flour.
- For the butter, you can substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- For the granulated sugar, you can substitute with coconut sugar.
- For the eggs, you can substitute with a flax egg or mashed banana.
Variations:
- For a chocolatey twist, add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter.
- For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- For a fruity twist, add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or cherries to the batter.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Make sure to mix the batter until just combined, do not overmix.
- Make sure to check the brownies at 25 minutes, as they can overcook quickly.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the brownies with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped Paprenjak.
Pairings:
Pair with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the brownies are too dry, add a tablespoon of melted butter to the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to wash your hands before and after handling the ingredients.
Food History:
Paprenjak is a traditional Croatian honey-spiced cookie that has been around for centuries.
Flavor Profiles:
These brownies are rich and chocolatey with a hint of spice from the Paprenjak.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a dessert or as an afternoon snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Croatian
Taste: Rich, Sweet, Chocolatey, Spicy, Nutty