Alice Medrich's Cocoa Brownies

Darlings, I have an apartment! With real walls, ceilings, windows - windows! - and a balcony looking at rooftops. The balcony is currently filled with snow drifts, but does that matter? Not one little bit. It features largely in my nighttime fantasies in which pure golden sunlight drifts down from the heavens as I sit outside in the morning on that balcony, drinking tea and feeling blessed. Around the corner from the apartment is an Italian wholesale grocery store and a lovely greenmarket on Tuesdays and Fridays (here some summertime photos of said market that might make your eyes hurt what with all the sunshine and the green leaves). Plus the Charlottenburg Palace is in spitting distance. I interpreted these three things as auspicious signs that I should take the apartment. Doesn't that sound sensible? I sign the lease in two days and move next week. Next week!

All in all, these past few days have felt wonderful. An apartment to call my own, the acceptance of my health insurance application (making the black ice all over Berlin's sidewalks feel just a little less treacherous), and the discovery of Alice Medrich's cocoa brownies. Yes, I did just put a brownie recipe on the same level as finding a home. With good reason. These brownies can bridge cultures. They can make people fall in love. They can bewitch you into making them twice in two days. They are powerful, killer brownies.

Furthermore, they are a piece of cake. I mean, all you do is melt butter, sugar, cocoa and salt into a coal-black, grainy sludge in a water bath. Then you beat in vanilla extract, two eggs and a fillip of flour. The batter looks like silk. And that's it. A monkey could make these brownies. A small child could master them.

The first time I made these, on Friday, I underbaked them. The middle was oozy and gooey and when I brought them to a party, people fell upon them. And can I say, there's something sort of deeply satisfying about seeing one of America's greatest exports, the humble brownie, being so fervently appreciated. Like I said, culture-bridging. I got all warm inside.

The second time I made them, on Saturday, I brought them to a somewhat more intimate gathering. In which, err, I was hoping rather hard to show off my baking prowess. This time, I baked the brownies a little longer. The centers were now all purely fudgy, without any goo, but with the same deep, dark chocolate flavor and that alluring chew. Ooh, they were spectacular. Certain eaters present ate three brownies in one go, making me feel all warm inside, too, but of a distinctly different order.

Apartment, insurance, brownies. I'd say it was a pretty great week.

Best Cocoa Brownies
Makes 16 larger or 25 smaller brownies

10 tablespoons (141 grams) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups (280 grams) sugar
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (82 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs, cold
1/2 cup (66 grams) all-purpose flour

1. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 325°F. Line the bottom and sides of an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides.

2. Combine the butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt in a medium heatproof bowl and set the bowl in a wide skillet of barely simmering water. Stir from time to time until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth and hot enough that you want to remove your finger fairly quickly after dipping it in to test. Remove the bowl from the skillet and set aside briefly until the mixture is only warm, not hot. It looks fairly gritty at this point, but don’t fret — it smooths out once the eggs and flour are added.

3. Stir in the vanilla with a wooden spoon. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each one. When the batter looks thick, shiny, and well blended, add the flour and stir until you cannot see it any longer, then beat vigorously for 40 strokes with the wooden spoon or a rubber spatula. Spread evenly in the lined pan.

4. Bake until a toothpick plunged into the center emerges slightly moist with batter, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely on a rack. (Deb suggests putting the cooled pan in the fridge or freezer for a while, which helps if you want clean lines when cutting the brownies.)

5. Lift up the ends of the parchment or foil liner, and transfer the brownies to a cutting board. Cut into 16 or 25 squares.

Comments

[Maddie]

Congratulations on the successful week! And as for these brownies, I recently discovered them as well...and similarly made them twice in one week. :) They're definitely that good!

[treehouse Chef]

Yum! These do look rich and chocolaty. My favorite brownie recipe is now the King Arthur Flour Brownie Recipe. You can check it out on my blog if you are interested. One can never have too many brownie recipes. Your apartment sounds heavenly.

[Sasa]

Yay! A room of one's own and with a balcony to boot - well done. How is the kitchen? I look forward to seeing what comes out of it when you are settled.

[Wiam]

Oooh...looking forward to hearing more about the three-brownie eater. :)

[TheKitchenWitch]

Congrats on the new apartment! And am I mistaken, or was there some "heat" underlying this post? A little romance? Someone interesting at that second gathering?

Ah, you've hooked me now! I can't wait to see what unfolds!

[Estela @ Weekly Bite]

Congrats on the Apartment, and the Insurance! And even better, the BROWNIES!!!!

They looks so decadent!

[Jennifer Jo]

I, too, have made and written about these babies. They are gooood.

Congrats on the new apartment. A home of your own is an oh-so-important thing. I believe EVERYONE should have one (but that's a pretty high ideal, I suppose).

[la ninja]

hooray hooray hooray (to all of the above)

[dc sarah]

Much congratulations are in order! I haven't lived anywhere for more than 2 years since college started, so I know the thrill and excitement of a new apartment! Can't wait to hear more about it! And, like TheKitchenWitch, sensed something exciting with batch #2-hoorah!

and a ps-after about 2 years of saying I would, I finally created my own little piece of cyberspace!

[Annika]

Congrats to the apartment and the health insurance!

Those brownies look delicious!

[Tracy (Amuse-bouche for Two)]

Joy of Cooking has a killer brownie recipe that we make at least once a month. They are cake-like, which we prefer. Cake vs fudge-like brownie...ah, the great debate.

[lindsey]

This almost makes me want to leave my desk at 900am to go home and make brownies!

However after trying your sour cream chocolate cake with peanut butter cream cheese icing I find it hard to believe anything could be as delicious! Thanks again for another great recipe and congratulations :)

[Victoria]

Yipee! Congratulations on finding a nest. It sounds delightful.

As do these brownies.

I have three books by Alice Medrich, and Pure Dessert is my favorite. I haven't tried these brownies and already have three - three distinctly different - brownie recipes that I call my own, but this recipe is too tempting not to try - it looks delicious and is recommended by YOU. Something not to be taken lightly.

Now I have to go through your list of recipes to find the Syrian meatballs Tea wrote about!

Be well and be happy, dear Luisa.

[heatherly]

Congratulations! Health (insurance), home and happy belly - fantastic.
I am making these brownies tonight. I love a recipe with cold eggs and melted butter - No planning needed.

[Gemma]

Triple congratulations! The apartment sounds fabulous, the insurance sounds like a relief, and the brownies, well I would like to eat one right now but I am at work so it will have to wait...

[Vanessa]

I'm also a Charlottenburger (for the moment) and walking in the gardens of the palace, especially in summer is one of my favourite things. Thanks too for the tip about the market; I'll have to check that out soon and most of all for the gorgeous brownies. I must admit that the gooier the better for me but I'm willing to try them baked a little longer as I trust you :-) Congrats on the apartment - now you can really make yourself at home.

[Adrienne]

Hooray for you! You must be so relieved to have a place to call your own :)

[Heather]

that does sound like an excellent week! congrats on the new digs and thanks for the brownie recipe - i've needed a good one for a while now!

[yumyummaybud]

You're in my old 'hood - you'll love it! Oh, how I miss the little shops of Suarez Strasse. Congrats and thanks for the brownies - I can't wait to make them!

[Robin]

Yay! Apartment hunting is the worst, but settling into a new place will be so fun! These look like my father in law's brownies, which are my favorite...I don't know how long I'll be able to wait to try this recipe.

[Janet]

Congratulations on finding an apartment. Having a place to call your own, a home makes one feel secure and safe. The brownies (one of my favourite desserts) look amazing. I'm going to make a batch this weekend.

[Kate]

I really like how you posted the recipe in weights as well. I've been introduced to using scales in the kitchen as of lately and I'm not turning back!

[the lacquer spoon]

Brownie... everyone’s timeless fave!! I also like the glossy darkness in colour before baking. Cheers for your new place :)

[CattyinQueens]

Trifecta! Nice to hear some happy news *and* have the beautiful brownie visuals!!

[Andrea]

Oh, the thrill of a new apartment. I want to hear about the kitchen! Congratulations to you.

[kickpleat]

I made a similar recipe (half old-school Moosewood & half Medrich - pretty similar really) for Valentine's day and added in cocoa nibs. Seriously the best brownies ever. And so happy that you've found a wonderful apartment. Good news and good brownies, I think you've got it made.

[The Food Hunter]

Congratulations!

[Jacqui]

Congratulations on ending your apartment search! It's always great to finally have a place to call your own, and it looks like you found a lovely place.

These brownies look incredibly good! Dark, fudgy, and without anything extras... just how I like mine!

[Jen]

Congrats! The apt sounds heavenly (and so do the brownies!)

[maryn]

Many, many congratulations!

And now a q.: What is that parchment paper? Did you buy it in Berlin? It looks thinner and more... moldable? ... than the US version.

[The Rowdy Chowgirl]

Congratulations! The apartment sounds wonderful.

[Joanne]

Congrats on the new apartment! That's super exciting. Would it be weird if I made these brownies to celebrate with you?

They sound delightful. And bewitching.

[natalia]

there's nothing like a good brownie!
though, i wonder: what kind of cocoa did you/do you use? they look super chocolate-y.
not that that's a bad thing...!

[KatyBelle]

That's wonderful to hear about your apartment!! And those brownies look lovely, I can't wait to give them a shot.

[Adele]

Glad for you, Luisa. Apartment, brownies, and fellow brownie eater all sounds lovely. You go, girl.

[kristina - no penny for them]

congrats on the apartment!

and thanks for that recipe - will try them soon, and pass the recipe onto a friend who's allergic to nuts, almonds and chocolate and will just love them!

[Francesca]

Brilliant news! Congrats on the apartment and the insurance. The mystery-brownie eater sounds so intriguing. It all sounds like you are indeed right where you are meant to be. I can't wait to hear more!

[Jen]

congratulations on all of your accomplishments! I have a very good friend who lives in Charlottenburg as well. It's such a beautiful neighborhood! And thanks for this delicious-sounding recipe - I'll be making it very soon.

[wendyr]

Oh, I made these exact brownies for my husband, and though he claims he prefers my normal, more cake-like brownies, these were gone within a day or two...hmm....

And congrats on the apartment! I was curious what part of Berlin you would end up in - I had a friend in Charlottenburg, so we spent some time there. Lovely place. My husband will be jealous of your balcony. He thought we would get one here in Vancouver, but no luck. The next place we hope to move is either back to Berlin or Amsterdam, so I think might find some luck there!

I understand the joys of insurance....we are still waiting for ours in Canada to be all sorted out after our move here from Ireland. I seem to spend my life sorting out things like visas and insurance, but that is the burden that must be paid for living in different countries.

[Rachael]

Made them tonight for the church potluck, recipe was *just in time*. I had to warn everyone that even though they looked just like normal old box brownies, they were magically not.

[Mikelis]

Finding a great apartment is a terrific thing, so congratulations! Few things could compete with a sunny, linden scented, summer lunch on a balcony in Berlin. Especially with your cooking!

This brownie recipe looks great, but I am a little confused. What kind of skillet ought I use to simmer the water? A wide frying pan, or would any pot or pan big enough to accommodate the bowl work? How much water, just enough to immerse the bowl?

[kim]

Your apartment sounds wonderful and well worth the long search. I had to settle for mine in a rush and am sorta content but I think I want to search for the perfect spot again now that I've read this! (putting my apartment envy to good use)
I hope the move goes smooth (and not too icey)!

[Lisa-Marie]

Hurrah! Happy new flat Luisa!

I have everything to make these in the house at the moment. I think that is an auspicious sign that I should, no?

[Luisa]

Thank you, everyone! You're so lovely. Once I'm moved in, I'll show kitchen pictures. At the moment, it's entirely empty.

Vanessa - underbake them, by all means! My batches came out equally delicious. It's just a matter of (texture) taste.

Maryn - it's German parchment paper, just a regular old run-of-the-mill roll. It is a little thinner than the American stuff.

Joanne - no, not at all! In fact, I kind of like the idea. :)

Natalia - I just used some cheapo brand I bought at the grocery store here. And the brownies were pretty amazing. Don't think it really matters which brand you use.

Rachael - yippee! Glad they were a hit. :)

Mikelis - Don't use a frying pan and don't immerse the bowl. You want the steam from the simmering water doing the work. I use a small-ish saucepan, fill it halfway with water and bring it to a simmer. If you've got a metal bowl to set over it, great. I didn't, and used a big old ceramic bowl and it was fine. The bowl should sit snugly on the rim of the pan and not touch the water below. Does this help?

Lisa-Marie - yes!! Totally.

[Janna]

congratulations on the apartment! those brownies look great, love the dark color

[Gayle]

Since I don't really bake, I mostly ogled the brownies and passed the recipe over to the future mister, who handles such things in our household. But I was totally taken with your parchment paper in the photos! I must obtain some like that, more fluffy and malleable than the awful, stiff junk I have been using...
Congrats on the apartment. And the health insurance. Sweet relief for having such things in order def merits two batches of brownies in two days :)

[Anna @ unsweetenedcocoa]

There is NOTHING as good as finding a good place to live. Yay!

Except for, obviously, these gorgeous rich fudgey wonders. Mmmm. Beautiful!

[Tracy A.]

I love reading about your adventures. Really happy about you landing a lovely apartment. Home is so important, and what you do in the kitchen of your home is what it's all about (maybe I'm too food-obsessed but I refuse to apologize). Anyhoo, that's why I tune in -- you open your kitchen, and therefore home, to us and it's truly delightful. Thank you!

[Hungry Bunny]

Excellent time for me to finally think outside the brownie box :)

[Yosha]

Congratulations on the apt. Wow you weren't kidding about the greenary!! Beautiful! Is it summer yet?!

I love love LOVE that you have weight measurements for the ingredients! I love the accuracy of the weights vs volume!