Ep. 9 | Whiskey Brownies

Whiskey Fudge Brownies & Orange Espresso Caramel Sauce

Ingredients:

• 200g (7 oz) high-quality dark chocolate, 70% cocoa content
• 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter
• 300g (1 1/2 cups) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 60ml (1/4 cup) good-quality whiskey, divided
• 100g (1/2 cup) store-bought or homemade whiskey-infused caramel sauce, for drizzling
• Orange Espresso Caramel Sauce (see recipe below)
• Optional: cocoa powder, for dusting

Orange Espresso Caramel Sauce Ingredients:

• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 60ml (1/4 cup) water
• 120ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, room temperature
• 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9x9 inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
2. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl.
4. Pour the melted butter over the chocolate and stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. If needed, briefly heat the mixture over a double boiler or in the microwave.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and half of the whiskey (30ml or 1/8 cup) until light and fluffy.
6. Gradually pour the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously until fully combined.
7. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
8. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake.
10. Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately brush the remaining whiskey (30ml or 1/8 cup) evenly over the top. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
11. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut them into squares and place them on a serving platter.
12. Warm the whiskey-infused caramel sauce slightly, then drizzle it generously over the brownies. Optionally, dust with a light layer of cocoa powder.

Orange Espresso Caramel Sauce Instructions:

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture turns into a deep amber-colored caramel (around 8-10 minutes). Keep a close eye on the caramel to avoid burning.
2. While the sugar is caramelizing, heat the heavy cream in a separate small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until it's just warm. Do not boil.
3. Carefully remove the caramel from the heat and gradually add the warm heavy cream, stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble up.
4. Add the butter pieces, stirring until the butter has completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, instant espresso powder, and salt until well combined.
6. Let the caramel sauce cool for a few minutes before using.
7. Once the caramel sauce has cooled slightly, it can be poured into a glass jar or heatproof container for storage. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then cover and store in the refrigerator if not using immediately. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

To serve, gently reheat the Orange Espresso Caramel Sauce until it reaches a pourable consistency. Drizzle generously over the Whiskey Fudge Brownies just before serving. The combination of rich chocolate, the warmth of whiskey, and the unique flavor of the orange espresso caramel sauce creates a decadent dessert experience. Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder if desired, and enjoy this luxurious treat.