Smacking down a craving...

I was in the mood for decadence today... I thought of different cakes, cookies or other assorted goodies we could make, but I kept coming back to one thing - brownies!

I've said frequently that one of my favorite combinations in sweets is chocolate and peanut butter - that is exactly what I found in these insane Peanut Butter and Fudge Brownies with Salted Peanuts.

The base of these bars is a devilish layer a decidedly fudgy chocolate brownie, generously studded with coarse pieces of salted peanuts. To really electrify the chocolate flavor, we used a mixture of bittersweet chocolate and unsweetened chocolate that we backed up with a dose of instant espresso powder. The powder doesn't make them taste like coffee, but it seems to excite the chocolate, allowing its flavor to blossom and grow. When you test for doneness, you are looking for no raw liquid batter, but you don't want the toothpick to come out clean - moist crumbs attached is what you want.

While these dark brownies cooled, we prepared a peanutty frosting by combining chunky peanut butter with a few tablespoons of softened butter, confectioners' sugar, a dash of salt and a sprinkle of fresh grated nutmeg. It is somewhat thick at this point, so a bit of milk is added, along with vanilla, to slightly thin it out, allowing it to spread well. These peanut butter frosted brownies were approaching decadence, but ached for another layer. So, to add that killer final touch, we melted bittersweet chocolate with butter and poured it over, creating a thin slick of richness on top. While it is liquid-y enough to pour over, the intense mixture does have some body to it, allowing you to make a design on top. I used an off-set spatula to spread it smooth, then swirled it back and forth to create those ripples you see.

Because of the toppings and fudgy quality of the brownie, you'll want to allow enough time for the bars to chill before cutting them. However, I found that we both liked the flavor best when they had come back to room temperature versus eating a piece right out of the chilly refrigerator. If you have a burning desire for a potent chocolate and peanut butter treat like I did, these wicked layered brownies satiated my fierce sweet tooth, at least for a little while!

*Looks over at the clock* I think it's treat time again - care to join me in this indulgence?

Recipes
Peanut Butter and Fudge Brownies with Salted Peanuts