Rich and fruity balsamic vinegar brings a delightful brightness to a rich chocolate brownie. Married with a strawberry jam-balsamic swirl, these strawberry brownies are winners.
4ozbittersweet chocolatechopped fine (or use chocolate chips)
9Tablespoonscocoa powdernot Dutch process
1teaspoonfine sea salt
2 ¼cupsgranulated sugar
1Tablespoongood quality balsamic vinegar(if you have a chocolate or strawberry-infused one, by all means use it)
4large eggs
For the Strawberry Swirl
¾cupgood quality strawberry jam
1 ½Tablespoons4 1/2 teaspoons good quality balsamic vinegar (see above)
Instructions
For the Brownie Batter
Prepare a 9x13" pan or a 9x9" pan (depending if you want thinner or thicker brownies) by lining the pan with one long strip of parchment paper or non-stick foil cut to fit the width of the pan. Allow either end of the strip to hang out over the edges. Spray the inside of the pan with pan spray, and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 325F and set an oven rack in the center of the oven.
Whisk together the flour and baking powder in a large bowl. Set aside.
In a saucepan, melt together the butter and cream cheese, whisking well as they melt.
Pour the butter over the chopped chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth.
Carefully whisk in the cocoa powders and salt.
Whisk in the sugar and balsamic. The mixture may look broken, but worry not.
Thoroughly whisk in the eggs, one at a time. See now--the batter is looking lovely!
Thoroughly fold in the dry ingredients.
For the Strawberry Swirl
Whisk together the jam and balsamic until thoroughly combined.
To Bake
Spread the batter in the pan.
Top with the strawberry balsamic mixture in "blobs."
Pull a knife back and forth through the batter, first one way and then the other.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, about 50 minutes to an hour for the 9x9" pan and about 35-45 minutes for the 9x13" pan.
Cool completely before slicing, or if you want to eat them warm, slice carefully with a serrated knife, dipping the blade in hot water and wiping it off between every slice.
Notes
Nutritionals calculated for 16 servings for a 9x9 pan. If you bake in a 9x13 pan, values will differ.Store these brownies in the fridge. Bring to room temperature or heat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.