Outrageous White Chocolate Chip Brownies

Some friends of ours moved away almost two years ago. The husband had an opportunity to take a position within the same company, that would allow them to be closer to their family. Of course they had to take it. We’ve missed them, but we’re happy for them.

I have no idea why my child is looking at me like that. 😛

The husband’s job brought him back this way for a week, so we were able to plan a play date for MC and a get together with some other friends. Martha didn’t have access to everyone’s numbers or a computer during the day, so I more than happily put a plan in motion. We were going to meet up at an awesome BBQ place that was loud and big. We wouldn’t have to worry about the kiddos being rambunctious and we’d have space for the 10 adults. Well, one of the couples backed out because they’d overspent that weekend and really didn’t have the money to go out. Ok, that’s fine, I totally get it. I’m not working right now and I totally feel the pinch. I feel bad when I spend money on myself knowing I’m not bringing any in right now. Luckily, one of the couples offered up their house. Great, problem solved. We were all going to bring something and have a potluck.

*Sigh* Well, the same couple that backed out of the restaurant meet up, backed out of the potluck. Then, another couple “suddenly” remembered that her grandmother’s 85th birthday was that night and they were going to be late to the party, but didn’t want to leave us high & dry on food. I mean, come on people. And the worst part about all this? No one told ME until the last minute. They all somehow communicated amongst themselves and didn’t let the person who was in contact with the visitor KNOW ANYTHING.

I’m so glad Martha and her family were flexible and weren’t leaving town until later in the week. We rescheduled for the next night, but were still down a family (same ones that couldn’t come the night before, because they already had plans). Oh well, their loss.

We wanted to do something simple, quick & easy because there was going to be 9 adults and 3 kiddos. One of the dads is a rep for Sysco and he wanted to try out their mini burgers, so that turned out to be the main course. I’m not one to eat packaged burgers, but I wasn’t going to turn them down either.  Also on the menu were tater tots, macaroni salad and baked beans. Nothing too fancy.  What did we take? Well duh! I brought dessert.  😛

I’d made Barefoot Contessa’s Outrageous Brownies before and just love the deep richness of these brownies. They have very little flour, so they are definitely on the fudgy side. And the coffee in them just intensifies the chocolate flavor. I threw in some white chocolate chips this time, to add a different dimension to these brownies. In my opinion these are best served chilled or frozen. If I’m going to eat warm brownies a la mode, I prefer them to be on the cakier side. Of course that doesn’t mean I didn’t eat these cubed up on top of some vanilla bean ice cream. 😉

Outrageous White Chocolate Chip Brownies
Yield: 2 dozen
Adapted from Barefoot Contessa
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
½ pound butter
½ pound semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
3 eggs
1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
1 tablespoon real vanilla extract
1 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons flour, divided
½ tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup white chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray and line a 13×9 sheet pan with parchment paper – this helps to lift the brownies out of the pan after they’ve cooled.

Melt together the butter, chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate on top of a double boiler – put a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water – don’t let the bowl touch the water. Cool slightly.

In a separate bowl, stir together the eggs, instant coffee, vanilla and sugar. Stir into the warm chocolate mixture and cool to room temperature.

Stir together ¼ cup flour, baking powder and salt. Add to cooled chocolate mixture. Toss the white chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of flour to coat. Then add to the chocolate batter. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake for about 30 minutes, or until tester just comes out clean. Do not over-bake. Cool thoroughly, refrigerate well and cut into squares.

Oh, I took these along as well.

My first attempt at pickling.  They were definitely yummy.  I may have caught the pickling bug.  I want to try some cucumbers & onions next.