Thursday, August 20, 2009

Dulce de Leche Brownies

I just finished reading The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz. While expounding on the inconveniences and curiosities associated with Parisian living, he also describes the wonders that are the chocolates, cheeses, and breads to be found in that city. I have to question his assertion that there's not a decent cup of espresso served anywhere in Paris, but I’m sure he’s checked every viable option. I reached the end of the book too soon, wanted to read more stories about the real Paris, but also couldn’t wait to get cooking. I started with the last recipe in the book which is dulce de leche brownies. Lebovitz used these brownies as bargaining chips and gained friends quickly with these in tow. They’re easy to make, and with dulce de leche involved, I couldn’t resist.

Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate is recommended, and I used a bittersweet Callebaut. That was melted with butter in a saucepan over low heat. Cocoa powder was whisked into that mixture, and then three eggs were incorporated one at a time. Sugar, vanilla, and flour were added, and I included the optional toasted, chopped pecans as well. Half the batter was placed in the baking pan, and then one third of the suggested quantity of dulce de leche was plopped on top. It was swirled into the batter, topped with more batter, and more dulce de leche was spooned on top and swirled. I can’t be sure that I used the correct amount of dulce de leche. It’s entirely possible that I used a little extra and then set about greedily swiping what remained in the jar into my mouth. You’re instructed to only slightly swirl the dulce de leche into the batter to avoid it baking into a bubbly mess. I don’t know if I achieved perfection in swirlation, but the resulting brownies did not seem bubbly or messy.

Despite the fact that these brownies included dulce de leche and pecans which are two of my favorite things, I really baked them for Kurt. He liked them when they were first cut, but true to form, he was even happier with them after they had been chilled in the refrigerator. I usually disagree with this cold cookie and dessert bar preference of his, but I have to admit these brownies were great either way. Even chilled, the dulce de leche was luscious as ever, the chocolate was rich-tasting, and I’m not even a brownie fan.




37 comments:

  1. Oh yum! His book has been on my reading list ever since it came out--I think it just rose to the top of the list! "Swirlation" is my new favorite word.

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  2. there is over the top and then there is way over the top.....these are way over the top of the top!

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  3. Hot damn! Those are some fine looking brownies.

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  4. Oh my gosh, I sometimes wish that every single picture on food blogs was of brownies that look like these;) YUM! No way you can get sick of them.

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  5. this is awesome just can't wait to get hold of that book an start baking some ! :)

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  6. Isn't this illegal? It's like virtual torture with edible objects! Oh so good. How did you manage to not eat 15 at once?

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  7. Oh my... look at that first picture. You have me drooling! A brilliant idea indeed and who thought you could make brownies better?

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  8. I am the same way - I like cold bar cookies and cold cake. These look positively divine! So rich and decadent!

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  9. Eek! I just want to lick my computer screen right now. That looks soooooooo good. My sweet tooth is kick me to have some right now. Brownies, dulce de leche, chocolate. Love it!!!!

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  10. Oh this is my sinful indulgence Lisa! Absolutely sinful!

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  11. This is so DELISH!! You made me click on the cookbook and "purchased" it.

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  12. These are some over-the-top brownies. I feel my waistline expanding just from looking at the pics. Calories be damned; I wish I could sink my teeth into one -- no, make that two -- right this instant.

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  13. Wow, what decadent brownies - they look SO good!

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  14. Those Brownies look extremely naughty! A scrumptiously divine treat!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  15. I just shed a small tear. Chocolate and caramel together are a combo that makes me emotional. Gorgeous, amazing. I think I'm going to buy that book to take on vacation. Sounds like the perfect read.

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  16. These are 'to-die-for" brownies!!..*drool*

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  17. These look sinfully delicious, what a terrific combination!

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  18. ooooh, heavenly!!!!!!!! I will be in Paris next weekend. Will try some sweet stuff but will watch my quota.

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  19. wow...these look absolutley amazing. i love just about anything with a burnt sugar flavor. mmm..!

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  20. sinfully delicious brownies! I'll take a piece right now thanks :)

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  21. These brownies look heavenly delicious, wow!

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  22. These brownies are definitely about sin, and I'm in! Fun blog you've got, btw.

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  23. Wow, these look fantastic. Let me tell you, I love anything dulce de leche. love love love it!!!

    I can't wait to make these!

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  24. fact: when you willingly devour two types of food (such as, say, brownies and dulce de leche) separately, putting them together is devious and simply unfair. this is definitely drool-worthy, lisa.

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  25. Fantastic! These delightful yummy brownies look wonderful! moist and delicious :) have a great weekend!
    cheers!!

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  26. holy cow, I'd have to double my mileage if I ate these goodies!

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  27. It is hard to believe you can't find good espresso in Paris but these brownies...oh my word!

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  28. Ohh man! Those brownies look flippin amazing! I want one now!

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  29. I think you got the swirl just right! Those brownies look like absolute brownie perfection!

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  30. Yummy, these look positively sinful :D

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  31. Oh.. wow! the brownies look heavenly!

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  32. Looks amazing with the dulce de leche swirls! A great recipe to start with =)

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  33. If this is heaven, I can't wait to die. It it is hell... I think I have some law-breaking to do.

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  34. I'd have double the dulce de leche to ensure there was enough left for the brownies themselves! These look insanely delicious. My husband shares Kurt's preference for chilled desserts and like you, I'm not as keen on cold baked goods. But delicious is delicious, no matter the temperature!

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  35. I loved David's book too! You have definitely done justice to his brownies here, and with such beautiful photos, too!

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