Warm, Tingly Brownies

A few weeks ago I realized it had been at least a year, maybe longer, since I'd made brownies! Usually I can only eat one since they're often super rich, so they're not usually my first thought when it comes to making cookie-like confections (snickerdoodles and sugar cookies are a whole other story, however!). I was feeling creative, though, and wanted to play with some chile powder.

I used a typical brownie recipe base and added a whole bunch of tasty things to jazz them up. Don't be afraid of the chile powder. It's mild and smoky and gives depth to the chocolate without being spicy. A warm heat lingers as the aftertaste in the back of your throat, and a hint of orange makes you pause and enjoy the flavor combination thoroughly. If you have some leftover, these make a wonderful base for an ice cream sundae!

Dark Chocolate Ancho Chile Brownies

1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped*
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp ancho chile powder**
1/2 tsp instant espresso powder, optional
1/4 tsp dried orange peel (or fresh, to taste)
pinch smoked (or regular) sea salt
1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds), toasted
3/4 cup flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8" square baking pan.

Stir the butter and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat until melted. Remove from heat and set aside.

Whisk the eggs together in a large mixing bowl. Whisk in the sugar to form a grainy paste. Stir in the vanilla, espresso powder, chile powder, orange peel, and salt. Stir in the melted chocolate until well mixed. Fold in the flour and pepitas.

Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Place the pan on a wire rack until cooled completely.

*As with all recipes, the quality of your ingredients drastically affects how your baked goods will turn out. Be sure to use high quality chocolate. I use Scharffenberger in these brownies.

*Ancho chile powder is mild and smoky flavored. Find it at Penzey's or in the Mexican aisle of your grocery store with the spice packets. New Mexico chile powder is similar and can be substituted.