Spiced Fudge Brownies

Was everything meant to be made with a healthy alternative? Well, I'd like to think it's possible, but for this particular creation I'll put that on the sidelines. On my day 'off' from normal eating I decided to create something new, something I've actually never done before myself, using some cooking basics from previous years. With the resulting Spiced Fudge Brownies being so tasty, you can bet that I'll create a 'healthier' alternative...

Spiced Fudge Brownies with Macadamia Nuts
Ingredients
Prep Time: 30 minutes
24 Servings


1 14oz Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
4 oz Baking Chocolate, Unsweetened
2 Tbsp Butter, Unsalted, Room Temperature
3/4 Cup Water
2 Cups Sugar, Granulated
1 1/2 Tsp Peppermint Extract (or Vanilla, if desired)
1 1/2 Cups Flour, All-Purpose
1 Tsp Cayenne Pepper, Ground
1 Tsp Baking Powder
3 Eggs
4 Tbsp Butter, Unsalted, Melted
1/2 Cup Macadamia Nuts, Dried, Unsalted (Optional)
4 Tsp Sugar, Powdered (Optional)


Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees.


Start with a simple sugar syrup by combining the granulated sugar and water on medium to high heat until clear (mixture will begin as cloudy and clear as the water and sugar melt together). Whisk in peppermint extract. Set aside in a large mixing bowl and allow to cool 10 minutes.

While the syrup is cooling, create the fudge base by heating milk in double boiler on medium, until small bubbles begin to pop. Place 4 oz of baking chocolate (shaved works faster) and 2 Tbsp of butter in the saucepan, stir until melted. Fold into the sugar syrup and mix until smooth. Allow to cool 5 minutes then mix in the eggs and melted butter.

In a separate small mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients (Flour, Cayenne Pepper, Baking Powder). Fold the dry ingredients into the above fudge mixture and mix until smooth in texture. Fold nuts into the batter. Pour mixture into a lightly greased and floured 13" x 9" baking pan. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes, or until inserted knife comes out clean (ovens vary, so adjust as needed).


Allow brownies to cool and cut into 24 squares. Dust with the powdered sugar and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Nutrition Info (1 serving - with Optional ingredients)
Calories: 247, Fat: 10.2g, Sat. Fat: 5.2g, Cholest.: 41.7mg, Sodium: 61.3mg, Carb.: 37.4g, Fiber: 1.3g, Sugars: 29.6g, Protein: 4.2g

Nutrition Info (1 serving - without Optional ingredients)
Calories: 226, Fat: 8.1g, Sat. Fat: 4.8g, Cholest.: 41.7mg, Sodium: 61.1mg, Carb.: 36.5g, Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 29g, Protein: 4g

1 Comments

  1. I've always loved the creaminess of Macadamia in dessert but never really used them in recipes. When I was making these, they just seemed to be the perfect alternative to walnuts or pecans. Yum! :-)

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