At one point this weekend I found myself in desperate need of a chocolate fix. On my posting pipeline was a Nutella tart and some truffles I wanted to make. But preparing for a short trip in a few days made it difficult to do anything that required making dough or a few hours rest in the fridge. What’s a girl to do? I wanted chocolate and fast. Then I remembered one of the first cookbooks I ever owned: I Want Chocolate!
This was originally a French publication– Je Veux du Chocolat! The cornerstone of this book is to highlight the simple and, dare I say, the sensual elements of chocolate by using as few other ingredients as possible. In each of the recipes I’ve tried, the chocolate shines and is raised to new heights by omitting unnecessary ingredients. The recipes are simple, easy to follow and always deliver. In fact, one of my very first “signature” cakes came from this book. It fooled my friends and family into thinking that I could actually cook!
These brownies only had six ingredients–five if you don’t use nuts–and were full of all the chocolatey goodness I was craving. The top was firm and cracked when I cut into it but the inside was still soft, so very good served warm. The quickly-melting vanilla ice cream was a nice contrast, but I had to take the pictures quickly!
My Go-To Brownies
From: I Want Chocolate! by Trish Deseine
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 ounces baking Chocolate (I used Scharffen Berger Bittersweet Chocolate)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts or macadamia nuts, toasted and crushed, or crushed pecans ( I used walnuts)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
Melt the butter and the chocolate in a bowl over hot water or microwave until smooth. Allow to cool slightly. Next, add the eggs followed by the sugar and flour. Mix everything quickly then add the nuts, if using.
Pour into the baking pan and bake for 30 minutes. The brownies should be crisp on the top and soft inside. Allow to cool slightly (if you can wait!) and cut into squares.
Honestly, you’re perfect. Well, I don’t know if that’s actually true, but for all intensive purposes, you have no flaws. You prepare brownies with ice cream and make them inviting but sophisticated. I love the change in shape, how playful! And oh my, macadamia nuts! There ought to be a law against these!
I feel like everyone in the blog world says this far too often and it has no value whatsoever, but I mean it: I can’t wait to try these out!
– Lauren, Lauren’s Little Kitchen
Lauren, you sure know how to make my day. Thanks so much! I highly recommend these brownies–they’re so easy!
These go-to brownies look fantastic!
Looks YUMMY!!
I love the idea of cutting circles out of a sheet of brownie…such a unique twist. And I think the best brownie recipes are the ones with the shortest list of ingredients. It is amazing how many people turn to those boxed mixes when it is so easy to make your own. As Lauren so eloquently said, I can’t wait to make these too!
I know, right? From scratch these were just as easy to make.
I love it, great minds think alike, I’m making brownies today, don’t you just love brownies, I’m so glad I found your post, of course for a bit of inspiration!, before rolling up my sleeves, you’re killing me with the vanilla ice cream on top! Happy summer baking, I’m using my little oven so as not to turn the entire house into an oven:-)
Coming from a non air-conditioned home, I know what you mean! Can’t wait to see your post.
OMG……those look so good…and you had to put ice cream on them…..wow..
I have to say what a great idea cutting them in circles…I love it!
I just felt like round brownies–glad people like them this way! Thanks!
I love a good simple recipe. The brownies are beautiful with a small round scoop of vanilla ice cream, can’t get any better than that!
I love the circle shape. It’s so different and creative. Thank you for sharing this recipe! 😉
Mouthwatering!! Just had dinner and want some dessert. This dessert. Great photos!!
These look like they have the most amazing flaky crust on top. I have tried so many brownie recipes & have not been able to get that perfect brownie top yet. I will definantly give these a go.
These look terrific and love the idea of macadamia nuts. I will have to check out that book – it sounds amazing!
Now those are what I call a yummy delicious treat! I’m now craving chocolate too, thanks [sounds of bakery ware smashing about] – yum!
Totally agree; good brownies do not require five dozen ingredients! These are perfect, nice crispy top, chewy inside, chocolaty all-the-way; nice.
Love the blog and those brownies! I just made some brownies and I cannot stop eating them. Boo.
Sometimes all you need to make life better is a great brownie! I love that this recipe calls for macadamias or hazelnuts…both are great with chocolate! The brownies look so perfect with the crunchy exterior but soft and brownie like on the inside…
I wish I had one of these right now (with ice cream, of course) 🙂
I am happy to find out that we both share the “brownies-will-solve-my-chocolate-cravings’ outlook in life. They look absolutely delicious… gooey and ooey. And only 5 ingredients (without nuts)? Boy, you hit the jackpot with that book. I enjoyed this post a lot.
Simplicity and ingenuity (in the for of shape!) – I love it! I am a self-diagnosed chocoholic, and am completely comfortable with that. Brownies a la mode always make me happy, and I can’t wait to try this recipe!
oh goshhhh! these look to die for. so lovely and pretty and delicious looking!