The Award Winning Baked Brownie

So yet an another amazing recipe I run into out of my 'Baked' cookbook.  I have heard rumors of this particular brownie winning awards on Oprah among other shows I can't remember.  I am quite the brownie fanatic and when it comes to brownies...I don't mess around.  All I have to say now is that the 'Baked' boys were definitely not messing around when they created this brownie.

the baked brownie.
1 1/4 Cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons dark unsweetened cocoa powder
11 ounces dark chocolate (60-72% cacao), coarsely chopped (I used chips..don't have to chop them)
1 Cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1 1/2   Cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
5 large eggs (room temp)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Butter the sides and bottom of a 9 by 13 inch glass or light colored metal baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, salt, and cocoa powder together.
3. Put the chocolate, butter, and instant espresso powder in a large bowl and set it over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth.
4. Turn off the heat, but keep the bowl over the water and add the sugars.  Whisk until completely combined, then remove the bowl from the pan.  The mixture should be room temperature.
5. Add 3 eggs to the chocolate mixture and whisk until combined.  
6. Add the remaining eggs and whisk until combined.  
7. Add the vanilla and stir until combined.  Do not overbeat the batter here, unless you want cakey brownies...and who wants cakey brownies? Ew.
8. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the chocolate mixture.  Using a spatula (not a whisk), fold the flour mixture into the chocolate until just a bit of the flour mixture is visible.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.  Bake in the center of the oven for 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with a few moist crumbs sticking to it.  Let the brownies cool completely. **
10. Cut them into squares and serve. 
11. Tightly covered with plastic wrap, the brownies keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.

**  I didn't do this.  I was so stoked to try them that I had them warm.  They weren't very good, I don't know why, but they seemed cakey and I was super disappointed. Then I let them cool like I was supposed to and tried them again...a world of difference.  I just ate 3 of them before writing this post.  I probably just gained at least 4 pounds. 

Like this 'Baked' recipe? Try Brewer's Blondies (with Whoppers!)