The Catherine Deneuve of Brownies
One descriptor came immediately to mind after tasting the first bite from the Baked Brownie: DEVASTATING. I repeat: DEVASTATING.
Fellow pastyphiles, I have baked and eaten many, many famous and not-so-famous but still very fine brownies. This brownie really is the one. It's the ultimate LBD (little black dress of brownies) and frankly, if Catherine Deneuve (in Belle de Jour no less) could be immortalized in a pastry, it would be this. Deliciously elegant, flawlessly chic; somehow yielding a myriad of textures and flavours, minimal yet sophisticated, crisp yet dense.
Make no mistake this is an adult brownie - bold and intense, not overly sweet, with strong hints of espresso and deep, dark rich bittersweet chocolate. The "bite" or texture of the brownie is incredibly satisfying. There's a shell or firm outer layer, which then yields to a dense, fudgy interior. Not underbaked. Not fudge. But brownie perfection.
The detailed recipe instructions, the helpful tips, the sugar quantity - all bang on. It's the first recipe I've ever made that so completely knocked it out of the park on the first go. This brownie and this recipe is absolutely spectacular. No wonder it's earned the hearts and praises of Oprah, Martha, America's Test Kitchen and the Today Show.
We are now officially in (chocolate) love with Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito, owners, bakers, authors and (our) brownie soul mates. We solemnly declare them BBFs aka. best brownie friends for life.
One final note: I invested in the premium chocolate, cocoa and vanilla for this recipe, my go-to being Scharffen Berger. So the price tag for this batch of brownies is hefty ie. $20+ just for the chocoloate and cocoa, but it is soooo worth it.
